Crime
Federal authorities arrested US Postal worker Ottis McCoy for throwing away mail, including an election ballot
McCoy has been charged with theft of United States mail.
A United States Postal Service mail carrier, Ottis McCoy, has been arrested by federal authorities for allegedly discarding over 1,000 pieces of mail, including 400 pieces of political mail and one election ballot.
The incident came to light when a co-worker noticed that McCoy had returned from his route earlier than usual, despite being assigned a significant amount of mail.
A check of McCoy’s vehicle GPS data revealed that he had deviated from his route and visited a wooded lot.
A Postal Inspector launched an investigation and obtained surveillance footage from a nearby resident.
The footage allegedly shows McCoy arriving at the wooded lot in his postal van and discarding mail into the surrounding trees and bushes.
Among the discarded mail, one piece was identified as a Florida absentee ballot.
McCoy has been charged with theft of United States mail.
He faces potential legal consequences for his actions, which could include fines and imprisonment.
On the evening of January 17, 2025, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire targeting a vehicle.
Upon arrival at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West, law enforcement and Gold Cross Ambulance found a 17-year-old female driver critically injured inside her vehicle.
Deputies began life-saving efforts immediately while paramedics prepared for her transport to Cedar City Hospital.
Despite their combined efforts, the young victim tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Crime scene experts and investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived to process the scene.
Early findings suggest the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown vehicle for several miles before the incident.
The suspect pulled alongside the victim’s car and fired multiple gunshots, striking the driver. This caused the victim to lose control of her vehicle, which left the roadway, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public to aid in the investigation.
Between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM, investigators believe a small red pickup truck was being followed closely by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway near 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.
Witness accounts or surveillance footage of this activity could provide critical leads.
Additionally, residents or business owners along Lund Highway or Midvalley Road with surveillance camera footage from that time frame are encouraged to contact authorities.
If you have any information regarding this incident or footage, please contact the following numbers:
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 435-867-7500
- Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 435-586-9445
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Cedar City Police Department, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, Cedar City Fire Department, and the dedicated personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their quick response and assistance.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety and pursuing justice for the victim. We ask for the community’s assistance in bringing the perpetrator to justice.