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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARIUS PATIN, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 7, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, PATIN was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Carrier and was assigned to work at Carrollton Station, New Orleans, LA 70118. On or about April 28, 2021, PATIN secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 1,377 pieces of mail that were recovered from a dumpster in an apartment complex. PATIN also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately nine First Class letters, eight standard letters, four standard flats, and two periodicals in his personal vehicle.

PATIN pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with delay or destruction of mail. He faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.