GRAND RAPIDS – In a stunning turn of events, Benjamin Gregory Shirley, 41, from East Lansing, Michigan, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for assaulting a postal employee in an attempted fentanyl shipment. According to court records, Shirley had arranged for the illegal drug to be shipped to his newly opened P.O. Box from Tennessee. Upon arrival at the East Lansing Post Office, the parcel was mistakenly addressed to another P.O. Box. When denied access to the package, Shirley’s aggressive behavior escalated, culminating in him jumping over the counter and grappling with the clerk. Inspectors searched the parcel and discovered fentanyl hidden within a teddy bear.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, emphasized the commitment to investigating and prosecuting such assaults on federal workers. “No one should be subjected to attack simply for doing their job,” VerHey stated. He also highlighted the office’s dedication to combating fentanyl trafficking through the U.S. Mail system.
Sean F. McStravick, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, echoed these sentiments. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Shirley’s actions,” he said. “We will continue to hold offenders accountable and safeguard our postal employees and the public.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro handling the prosecution.
Benjamin Gregory Shirley’s conviction underscores the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and assault on federal workers, a battle that shows no signs of letting up in Michigan and beyond.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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