A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in Anchorage was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to one year of probation for throwing away first-class mail along his route.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release that 36-year-old Alfonso Pitpit pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of obstruction of mail. Magistrate Judge Deborah Smith handed down the probation penalty and a $1,000 fine.
Pitpit was the carrier at the Russian Jack facility in Anchorage. On Oct. 4, a witness saw Pitpit empty two trays of first-class mail into two garbage cans along his route.
The witness told the authorities, and the mail was recovered and delivered. Pitpit admitted to tossing the mail, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
Steward said Pitpit was in a hurry and attempting to cut corners. She said during the hearing he expressed regret about his actions.
"At the hearing, he did state he was a newer employee and trying to get things done quickly," Steward said. "He was trying to impress his employer; he felt pressured."
Steward also said Pitpit had multiple options available to help him get the mail delivered, but he still chose to throw it away.
Judge Smith said the conviction was important to deter others from similar crimes. Postal Service employees have been prosecuted for throwing out mail for similar reasons here and Outside, Steward said.