An Atlanta man learned the hard way last week that it is neither polite nor legal to go through other people’s mail.
According to a spokesman for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 dispatch shortly before midnight the evening of May 4 regarding a suspicious person in the Kenwood Business Park on the northern end of the county. The initial call indicated that a dark-colored vehicle was driving through the area and the driver was opening mailboxes.
Deputies located the vehicle, and the ensuing investigation revealed that a considerable amount of mail from various businesses in the office park, including checks and credit cards, was in the car. Also in the vehicle were a pry bar, two firearms, and Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, according to the spokesman.
Patrick Smith, 29, of Atlanta was arrested and taken to Fayette County Jail. He was charged with two felony counts of drug possession and one felony count of theft by possession of stolen mail, as well as a charge of loitering and prowling.
Officials said there could be more charges in the future as investigators continue to sort through the stolen documents.