David E. Polnitz, Jr., Threatening USPS Letter Carrier, Wisconsin 2019

Grimy Times Exclusive:

David E. Polnitz, Jr. Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Threatening USPS Letter Carrier and Firearm Possession in Wisconsin

In a shocking display of brazen disregard for the law, David E. Polnitz, Jr. has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for threatening a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier and illegally possessing a firearm, according to a federal court ruling issued on April 18, 2019. The 39-year-old Wisconsin resident had previously been found guilty by a jury of these charges.

The harrowing incident took place on June 27, 2017, when a USPS letter carrier attempted to deliver mail to Polnitz’s residence. However, things took a dark turn when Polnitz’s unrestrained pit bull charged the letter carrier, prompting the carrier to spray the animal with USPS-issued dog spray as a precautionary measure. In a twisted twist of events, Polnitz, once notified by his spouse of the incident, proceeded to point a Taurus, model PT738, semi-automatic .380 pistol at the letter carrier, who was able to identify Polnitz through his distinctive ‘Pepsi blue’ contact lenses.

At sentencing, United States District Court Judge Pamela Pepper emphasized that this case was one of the more serious of its kind that she had seen. She also stressed that the victim in this case was simply doing his job as a letter carrier and should never have been threatened with a gun. ‘This sentence sends the message that federal prison awaits anyone who threatens a federal employee,’ said United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger. ‘We commend the law enforcement agencies for their excellent work in bringing justice to this matter.’

Inspector in Charge Craig Goldberg, of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the sentencing in this case should send a strong message that Postal Service employees should not be threatened or intimidated while performing their official duties. ‘The safety of Postal Service employees is our top priority and violence against our employees will never be tolerated.’

The case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Corey and Benjamin Taibleson handling the prosecution. As Polnitz begins his 36-month sentence, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Related Federal Cases