FRESNO, Calif. — In a stunning revelation from the Tulare Main Post Office, Nathan Vaughn Southard, 34, of Visalia, has pleaded guilty to stealing suspected drug parcels from the mail system, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Documents reveal that on October 19, 2023, Southard, a postal service employee, targeted a parcel he believed contained marijuana, planning to sell it for profit. Over seven years, Southard confessed to stealing parcels valued at approximately $50,000.
“Narcotics and theft offenses committed by Postal Service personnel are completely unacceptable,” said Christopher Paige, Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Western Pacific Area Field Office. “Our agents are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the USPS.” The agency values its partnership with law enforcement in holding employees accountable.
Southard is set for sentencing on September 9, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though his sentence will be determined by the court after considering various factors.
This case is the result of an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, with support from the DEA and Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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