A Florida postal worker, Ottis McCoy Jr., faces federal charges after being accused of discarding over 1,000 pieces of mail, including vital election materials and an absentee ballot, in a wooded area near his delivery route in Orlando. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, has heightened concerns about the security of mail-in voting as the state prepares for its upcoming elections.
The investigation began when McCoy, a USPS contractor, returned unusually early from his delivery route, raising suspicions among coworkers. A fellow employee, who had assisted in loading McCoy's van, noticed that McCoy had left with a substantial amount of mail but returned well ahead of schedule. According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched an inquiry, uncovering GPS data from McCoy's USPS vehicle showing a detour from his assigned route into a wooded area.
Further evidence came from a nearby resident, who provided surveillance footage capturing McCoy's USPS van entering the woods. The footage, part of the criminal complaint, allegedly shows McCoy discarding large quantities of mail. Among the items recovered were 400 election-related materials and one absentee ballot, sparking alarm among local residents and election officials.
The discarded mail included important election mailers, prompting immediate concern. "I'm just shocked," said Angel Cruz, a resident in the neighborhood. "That's personal information, important documents people are waiting for at home." The incident, which took place as mail-in voting was underway, has fueled anxiety about the reliability of the U.S. Postal Service in delivering ballots.
McCoy now faces charges of federal property misuse and mail theft, both serious offenses under federal law. Tampering with election materials is particularly significant, given the potential consequences for voters and the integrity of the election process. While no additional charges have been filed, federal investigators are evaluating whether McCoy's actions are part of a broader pattern of misconduct.
Court documents reveal that McCoy may have deliberately disposed of the mail instead of delivering it. On October 22, 2024, McCoy's coworker, identified in court filings as P.K., helped load McCoy's USPS van with a large quantity of mail, including election materials. Later that day, P.K. noticed that McCoy completed his route much earlier than expected, prompting an internal investigation that eventually led to the discovery of the dumped mail.
Glen Gilzean, the Orange County Elections Supervisor, reassured the public that steps were being taken to rectify the situation. "It is extremely concerning to see vote-by-mail ballots discarded on the ground," Gilzean stated. "We are, however, grateful for the prompt action taken by the United States Postal Service and the leadership of United States Attorney Roger Handberg from the Middle District of Florida." Gilzean further emphasized that every impacted voter would receive their absentee ballots in time for the upcoming election, ensuring no one is disenfranchised.
With Florida being a key battleground state, the reliability of mail-in voting has been a topic of intense scrutiny, making McCoy's case particularly significant. Election officials have sought to calm public fears, reiterating their commitment to ensuring that all ballots are delivered securely and on time.
Although no evidence has surfaced to suggest that McCoy's actions were politically motivated, the incident has drawn national attention due to its timing. The integrity of the U.S. Postal Service has been under the spotlight in recent years, especially as more Americans rely on mail-in voting. USPS officials continue to highlight their efforts to safeguard election materials, and this case will likely serve as a reminder of the importance of these safeguards.
The federal charges against McCoy could result in severe penalties. As federal investigators continue their inquiry, additional charges could be brought if a broader pattern of misconduct is uncovered. For now, McCoy remains in federal custody, awaiting trial for mail theft and federal property misuse. The legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the details of his actions and the extent of the discarded mail.
