Matthew Fitzgerald, Post Office Vandalism, Virginia 2013

Post Office Vandalism Leaves Trail of Destruction

An 18-year-old Bassett man has been sentenced for causing over $19,000 in damages to a Fieldale Post Office. Matthew Fitzgerald, 18, previously pled guilty to one-count of willfully committing a depredation against property of the United States.

On April 18, 2013, Fitzgerald broke into the Fieldale Post Office located in Henry County and damaged property inside. The extent of the damage includes broken windows, glass, damaged computers, discharged fire extinguisher, more than 1,000 thrown keys, and broken florescent light tubes.

According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Fitzgerald admitted to causing $19,309 in damages. The Fieldale Post Office was left with significant repairs and replacements.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Fitzgerald was sentenced to six months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $19,309 in restitution. The harsh sentence serves as a warning to those who would seek to damage public property.

The case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Fitzgerald's sentence demonstrates that those who commit crimes will be brought to justice.

As the community continues to rebuild and recover from the damage, the sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of vandalism and destruction of public property.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/bassett-man-sentenced-post-office-vandalism