CINXE.COM

History Spotlight – United States Postal Inspection Service

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US"> <head> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <meta charset="UTF-8" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> <link rel="profile" href="https://gmpg.org/xfn/11" /> <title>History Spotlight &#8211; United States Postal Inspection Service</title> <meta name='robots' content='max-image-preview:large' /> <style>img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px }</style> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ window._wpemojiSettings = {"baseUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/","ext":".png","svgUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/svg\/","svgExt":".svg","source":{"concatemoji":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-emoji-release.min.js?ver=86e5ae71a095b6ea44db1588ad08083a"}}; /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(i,n){var o,s,e;function c(e){try{var t={supportTests:e,timestamp:(new Date).valueOf()};sessionStorage.setItem(o,JSON.stringify(t))}catch(e){}}function p(e,t,n){e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(t,0,0);var t=new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data),r=(e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(n,0,0),new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data));return t.every(function(e,t){return e===r[t]})}function u(e,t,n){switch(t){case"flag":return n(e,"\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f","\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200b\u26a7\ufe0f")?!1:!n(e,"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf3","\ud83c\uddfa\u200b\ud83c\uddf3")&&!n(e,"\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc65\udb40\udc6e\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc7f","\ud83c\udff4\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc62\u200b\udb40\udc65\u200b\udb40\udc6e\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc7f");case"emoji":return!n(e,"\ud83d\udc26\u200d\u2b1b","\ud83d\udc26\u200b\u2b1b")}return!1}function f(e,t,n){var r="undefined"!=typeof WorkerGlobalScope&&self instanceof WorkerGlobalScope?new OffscreenCanvas(300,150):i.createElement("canvas"),a=r.getContext("2d",{willReadFrequently:!0}),o=(a.textBaseline="top",a.font="600 32px Arial",{});return e.forEach(function(e){o[e]=t(a,e,n)}),o}function t(e){var t=i.createElement("script");t.src=e,t.defer=!0,i.head.appendChild(t)}"undefined"!=typeof Promise&&(o="wpEmojiSettingsSupports",s=["flag","emoji"],n.supports={everything:!0,everythingExceptFlag:!0},e=new Promise(function(e){i.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",e,{once:!0})}),new Promise(function(t){var n=function(){try{var e=JSON.parse(sessionStorage.getItem(o));if("object"==typeof e&&"number"==typeof e.timestamp&&(new Date).valueOf()<e.timestamp+604800&&"object"==typeof e.supportTests)return e.supportTests}catch(e){}return null}();if(!n){if("undefined"!=typeof Worker&&"undefined"!=typeof OffscreenCanvas&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&URL.createObjectURL&&"undefined"!=typeof Blob)try{var e="postMessage("+f.toString()+"("+[JSON.stringify(s),u.toString(),p.toString()].join(",")+"));",r=new Blob([e],{type:"text/javascript"}),a=new Worker(URL.createObjectURL(r),{name:"wpTestEmojiSupports"});return void(a.onmessage=function(e){c(n=e.data),a.terminate(),t(n)})}catch(e){}c(n=f(s,u,p))}t(n)}).then(function(e){for(var t in e)n.supports[t]=e[t],n.supports.everything=n.supports.everything&&n.supports[t],"flag"!==t&&(n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&n.supports[t]);n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&!n.supports.flag,n.DOMReady=!1,n.readyCallback=function(){n.DOMReady=!0}}).then(function(){return e}).then(function(){var e;n.supports.everything||(n.readyCallback(),(e=n.source||{}).concatemoji?t(e.concatemoji):e.wpemoji&&e.twemoji&&(t(e.twemoji),t(e.wpemoji)))}))}((window,document),window._wpemojiSettings); /* ]]> */ </script> <style id='wp-emoji-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> img.wp-smiley, img.emoji { display: inline !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; height: 1em !important; width: 1em !important; margin: 0 0.07em !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; background: none !important; padding: 0 !important; } </style> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/9c93e.css" media="all" /> <style id='classic-theme-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> /*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css' type='text/css'> :root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square: 1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3: 4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4: 3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2: 3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3: 2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9: 16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16: 9/16;--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} :root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/7c3e2.css" media="all" /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='uspis-print-style-css' href='https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/themes/uspis/styles/css/main.print.css?ver=20161215' type='text/css' media='print' /> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/1e62c.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="simple-banner-script-js-before"> /* <![CDATA[ */ const simpleBannerScriptParams = {"pro_version_enabled":"","debug_mode":false,"id":16148,"version":"3.0.4","banner_params":[{"hide_simple_banner":"no","simple_banner_prepend_element":false,"simple_banner_position":"sticky","header_margin":"35px","header_padding":"0px","wp_body_open_enabled":"","wp_body_open":true,"simple_banner_z_index":false,"simple_banner_text":"<img src=\"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/icn-us-flag-21px.png\" width=\"20\"> An Official website of the United States Government <div class=\"dropdown\"> <button class=\"dropbtn\">Here's how you know<\/button> <div class=\"dropdown-content\"> <a href=\"#\"><div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-lg\"> \u00a0 <div class=\"usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6\"> <img class=\"usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/icon-dot-gov.png\" role=\"img\" alt=\"Dot gov\" width=\"6%\"> \u00a0 <h4>Official websites use .gov<\/h4> <p> A <strong>.gov<\/strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div><BR><HR><BR> <div class=\"usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6\"> <img class=\"usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/icon-https.png\" role=\"img\" alt=\"Https\" width=\"6%\"> \u00a0 <h4>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS<\/h4> <BR> A <b>lock<\/b> (<img width=\"7\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/lock.png\">) or <strong>https:\/\/<\/strong> means you\u2019ve safely connected to the .gov website.<BR>Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/a> <\/div><\/div>","disabled_on_current_page":false,"disabled_pages_array":[],"is_current_page_a_post":false,"disabled_on_posts":"","simple_banner_disabled_page_paths":false,"simple_banner_font_size":"13px","simple_banner_color":"#D8D8D8","simple_banner_text_color":"#000000","simple_banner_link_color":"#000000","simple_banner_close_color":"","simple_banner_custom_css":"text-align: left;","simple_banner_scrolling_custom_css":"top: 0;","simple_banner_text_custom_css":"@media screen and (max-width: 400px){\r\n font-size: 8px;\r\n\r\n}","simple_banner_button_css":"","site_custom_css":"","keep_site_custom_css":"","site_custom_js":"","keep_site_custom_js":"","close_button_enabled":"","close_button_expiration":"","close_button_cookie_set":false,"current_date":{"date":"2025-03-11 12:04:03.833501","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"start_date":{"date":"2025-03-11 12:04:03.833509","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"end_date":{"date":"2025-03-11 12:04:03.833514","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"simple_banner_start_after_date":false,"simple_banner_remove_after_date":false,"simple_banner_insert_inside_element":false}]} /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/6f393.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="sib-front-js-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var sibErrMsg = {"invalidMail":"Please fill out valid email address","requiredField":"Please fill out required fields","invalidDateFormat":"Please fill out valid date format","invalidSMSFormat":"Please fill out valid phone number"}; var ajax_sib_front_object = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","ajax_nonce":"dcd0842050","flag_url":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-content\/plugins\/mailin\/img\/flags\/"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/dca3d.js"></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" title="JSON" type="application/json" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/16148" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://www.uspis.gov/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://www.uspis.gov/?p=16148' /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (JSON)" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uspis.gov%2Fhistory-spotlight" /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (XML)" type="text/xml+oembed" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uspis.gov%2Fhistory-spotlight&#038;format=xml" /> <!-- GA Google Analytics @ https://m0n.co/ga --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-F3R67JQHY6"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-F3R67JQHY6'); </script> <style id="simple-banner-header-margin" type="text/css">header{margin-top:35px;}</style><style id="simple-banner-header-padding" type="text/css" >header{padding-top:0px;}</style><style id="simple-banner-position" type="text/css">.simple-banner{position:sticky;}</style><style id="simple-banner-font-size" type="text/css">.simple-banner .simple-banner-text{font-size:13px;}</style><style id="simple-banner-background-color" type="text/css">.simple-banner{background:#D8D8D8;}</style><style id="simple-banner-text-color" type="text/css">.simple-banner .simple-banner-text{color:#000000;}</style><style id="simple-banner-link-color" type="text/css">.simple-banner .simple-banner-text a{color:#000000;}</style><style id="simple-banner-z-index" type="text/css">.simple-banner{z-index: 99999;}</style><style id="simple-banner-custom-css" type="text/css">.simple-banner{text-align: left;}</style><style id="simple-banner-scrolling-custom-css" type="text/css">.simple-banner.simple-banner-scrolling{top: 0;}</style><style id="simple-banner-text-custom-css" type="text/css">.simple-banner .simple-banner-text{@media screen and (max-width: 400px){ font-size: 8px; }}</style><style id="simple-banner-site-custom-css-dummy" type="text/css"></style><script id="simple-banner-site-custom-js-dummy" type="text/javascript"></script><style type="text/css">.recentcomments a{display:inline !important;padding:0 !important;margin:0 !important;}</style> <style type="text/css"> .site-title, .site-description { position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); } </style> <script src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=USPIS" async="" id="_fed_an_ua_tag"></script><link rel="icon" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-USPIS_Favicon_512x512-100x100.png" sizes="32x32" /> <link rel="icon" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-USPIS_Favicon_512x512-300x300.png" sizes="192x192" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-USPIS_Favicon_512x512-300x300.png" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-USPIS_Favicon_512x512-300x300.png" /> <style type="text/css" id="wp-custom-css"> /* Official Govermnemt Banner */ .dropbtn { background-color: #d8d8d8; color: #1f83b9; padding: 4px; font-size: 12px; border: none; text-decoration: underline; } .dropdown { position: relative; display: inline-block; } .dropdown-content { display: none; background-color: #D8D8D8; min-width: 35%; z-index: 1; } .dropdown-content a { color: #000000; padding: 16px; text-decoration: none; display: block; line-height: 1.8; } .dropdown-content a:hover {background-color: #d8d8d8;} .dropdown:hover .dropdown-content {display: block;} .dropdown:hover .dropbtn {background-color: #d8d8d8;} h7 {color: #000000;} h8 {font-size: 13px; color: #000000;} @media (min-width: 1000px) { .dropdown-content a { min-width: 400px; font-size: 12px; } } @media (max-width: 300px) { .dropdown-content a { width: 265px; font-size: 10px; padding: 20px; } } @media (max-width: 765px) { .row23 { flex-direction: column; } } @media (max-width: 765px) { .side { margin-top: 0px; } } .row1 { float: left; width: 50%; padding: 4%; margin-left: 7%; } .row23 { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-bottom: 4%; } .side { flex: 45%; padding: 20px; margin-top: 14px; } .main { flex: 55%; padding: 20px; } .column1:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ulist { padding: 5px; margin-left: 30px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2.0; color: #484848; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: light; } .break { padding: 5px; margin-left: 80px; margin-bottom: 15px; } .break2 { padding: 5px; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; margin-bottom: 11%; } /* B-Roll Page Columns */ .col1 { flex: 33%; padding: 2.0%; font-size: 85%; } .col1 img { opacity: 0.8; } .col1 img:hover { opacity: 1; } .responsive { width: 60%; height: auto; } /* B-Roll Dropdown Button */ .broll-dropbtn { background-color: #09172D; color: white; padding: 26px; font-size: 20px; border: none; width:300px; } .broll-dropdown { position: relative; display: inline-block; } .broll-dropdown-content { display: none; position: absolute; background-color: #09172D; min-width: 160px; box-shadow: 0px 8px 16px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); z-index: 1; } .broll-dropdown-content a { color: white; padding: 15px; text-decoration: none; display: block; } .broll-dropdown-content a:hover {background-color: #F8BE21;} .broll-dropdown:hover .broll-dropdown-content {display: block;} .broll-dropdown:hover .broll-dropbtn {background-color: #09172D;} ul.list {; list-style-type: square; margin: 0; padding: 5px; margin-left: 35px; line-height: 1.7; font-weight: normal; } </style> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <script> (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-KHXT6JW'); </script> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <!-- Matomo --> <script> var _paq = window._paq = window._paq || []; /* tracker methods like "setCustomDimension" should be called before "trackPageView" */ _paq.push(['trackPageView']); _paq.push(['enableLinkTracking']); (function() { var u="https://uspis.matomo.cloud/"; _paq.push(['setTrackerUrl', u+'matomo.php']); _paq.push(['setSiteId', '1']); var d=document, g=d.createElement('script'), s=d.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; g.async=true; g.src='https://cdn.matomo.cloud/uspis.matomo.cloud/matomo.js'; s.parentNode.insertBefore(g,s); })(); </script> <!-- End Matomo Code --> </head> <body class="page-template-default page page-id-16148 page-parent page-history-spotlight"> <!--- BEGIN Facebook Embed --> <script> window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId : '429035987892354', autoLogAppEvents : true, xfbml : true, version : 'v3.3' }); }; </script> <script async defer src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js"></script> <!--- END Facebook Embed --> <!-- "Skip Nav" Link --> <a class="skip skip-nav" href="#main" data-508>Skip to main content</a> <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KHXT6JW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <!-- Global Header --> <header class="site-header has-menu header" id="masthead"> <!-- Site Branding & Logo --> <a class="site-branding " href="https://www.uspis.gov/" rel="home" itemprop="url"> <img class="custom-logo" src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/themes/uspis/images/logo.svg" alt="United States Postal Inspection Service Logo" itemprop="logo" alt="United States Postal Inspection Service"> <span class="site-title">United States Postal Inspection Service</span> </a> <!-- Mobile Nav Toggle --> <a class="menu-toggle" href="javascript:;"><i class="uspis-icon-menu" aria-label="Show navigation"></i></a> <!-- Top-level Nav --> <nav id="menu-menu" class="menu"> <!-- Mobile Nav Header (Open Only) --> <nav-header> <a class="custom-logo-link " href="https://www.uspis.gov/" rel="home" itemprop="url"> <img class="custom-logo" src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/themes/uspis/images/logo.svg" alt="United States Postal Inspection Service" itemprop="logo" alt="United States Postal Inspection Service"> </a> <a class="menu-toggle" href="#/"><i class="uspis-icon-menu-close" aria-label="Hide navigation"></i></a> </nav-header> <!-- Navigation Wrap --> <ul class="wrap" role="menu"> <li class="menu-item has-children " id="12570" role="none"><a href="#/about" role="menuitem" class="level-0 ">About</a><nav class="sub-menu hide" tabindex="-1"> <a class="close" href="#/close" aria-label="Close Menu"></a> <div class="menu" role="menu" aria-label="About"> <a class="menu-item level-1 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/about" role="menuitem">About</a> <a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/about/what-we-do" role="menuitem">What We Do</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/about/how-we-do-it" role="menuitem">How We Do It</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/leadership" role="menuitem">Leadership</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/about/history-of-uspis/fallen-personnel" role="menuitem">Fallen Personnel</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/about/history-of-uspis" role="menuitem">History</a><a class="menu-item level-3 current_page_item" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight" role="menuitem">HISTORY SPOTLIGHT</a><a class="menu-item level-3 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight-2023" role="menuitem">HISTORY SPOTLIGHT ARCHIVES</a> </div> </nav></li><li class="menu-item has-children " id="12631" role="none"><a href="#/careers" role="menuitem" class="level-0 ">Careers</a><nav class="sub-menu hide" tabindex="-1"> <a class="close" href="#/close" aria-label="Close Menu"></a> <div class="menu" role="menu" aria-label="Careers"> <a class="menu-item level-1 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/careers" role="menuitem">Careers</a> <a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/careers/postal-inspectors" role="menuitem">Postal Inspectors</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/careers/postal-police-officers" role="menuitem">Postal Police Officers</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://about.usps.com/careers/welcome.htm" role="menuitem">Professional Technical Administration</a> </div> <figure class="challenger"> <img src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_Hiring_EMAILBLASTBANNER.jpg" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025_Hiring_EMAILBLASTBANNER.jpg)" alt="" role="presentation"> <figcaption> <h6>Ready for a challenge?</h6> <p>Explore opportunities with the Postal Inspection Service.</p> <a data-cta-title="Learn More | Ready for a challenge?" href="https://www.uspis.gov/careers/postal-inspectors" class="arrow_cta " aria-label="Learn More About Career Opportunities">Learn More</a> </figcaption> </figure> </nav></li><li class="menu-item has-children " id="6167" role="none"><a href="#/tips-prevention" role="menuitem" class="level-0 ">Tips &amp; Prevention</a><nav class="sub-menu hide" tabindex="-1"> <a class="close" href="#/close" aria-label="Close Menu"></a> <div class="menu" role="menu" aria-label="Tips &amp; Prevention"> <a class="menu-item level-1 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention" role="menuitem">Tips &amp; Prevention</a> <a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/ncpw-2025" role="menuitem">NCPW 2025</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/project-safe-delivery" role="menuitem">Project Safe Delivery</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/holiday-scams-2024" role="menuitem">Holiday Scams</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/identity-fraud-2024" role="menuitem">Identity Fraud</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/vishing" role="menuitem">Vishing</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams" role="menuitem">Smishing</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/fake-usps-emails" role="menuitem">Phishing</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/veterans" role="menuitem">Operation Protect Veterans</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/identity-theft" role="menuitem">Identity Theft</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft" role="menuitem">Mail &amp; Package Theft</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-fraud" role="menuitem">Mail Fraud</a><a class="menu-item level-3 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/fraude-de-correo" role="menuitem">ESPANOL: FRAUDE DE CORREO</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/financial-fraud" role="menuitem">Financial Fraud</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/suspicious-mail" role="menuitem">Suspicious Mail</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/older-americans" role="menuitem">Older Americans</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/cybercrime" role="menuitem">Cybercrime</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/child-safety" role="menuitem">Child Safety</a> </div> <figure class="challenger"> <img src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024_Snowman_TPwindow.jpg" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024_Snowman_TPwindow.jpg)" alt="" role="presentation"> <figcaption> <h6>DON'T GET SNOWED BY SCAMS</h6> <p>The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to helping Postal Service customers avoid trending scams.</p> <a data-cta-title="Learn More | DON'T GET SNOWED BY SCAMS" href="https://www.uspis.gov/holiday-scams-2024" class="arrow_cta " aria-label="Learn More About Postal Police Officers">Learn More</a> </figcaption> </figure> </nav></li><li class="menu-item has-children " id="6168" role="none"><a href="#/news" role="menuitem" class="level-0 ">News</a><nav class="sub-menu hide" tabindex="-1"> <a class="close" href="#/close" aria-label="Close Menu"></a> <div class="menu" role="menu" aria-label="News"> <a class="menu-item level-1 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/news" role="menuitem">News</a> <a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/combating-illicit-drugs-in-the-mail" role="menuitem">Combating Illicit Drugs in the Mail</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/subscribe" role="menuitem"><BR>Subscribe</a><a class="menu-item level-2 " href="https://www.uspis.gov/the-opioid-epidemic" role="menuitem">The Opioid Epidemic</a> </div> <figure class="challenger"> <img src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/uspis-news-alert_5.jpg" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/uspis-news-alert_5.jpg)" alt="" role="presentation"> <figcaption> <h6>Stay Informed</h6> <p>Read USPIS NEWS for latest news stories, scam articles, press releases and wanted posters.</p> <a data-cta-title="Learn More | Stay Informed" href="https://www.uspis.gov/news" class="arrow_cta " aria-label="Learn More">Learn More</a> </figcaption> </figure> </nav></li><li class="menu-item " id="29" role="none"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/report" role="menuitem" class="level-0 ">Report</a></li><li class="menu-item " id="6442" role="none"><a href="#/search" role="menuitem" class="level-0 menu_search_trigger">Search</a></li> </ul> </nav> <!-- Alert Bar --> <div class="alert" role="alert"> <!-- Text goes here --> <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/ncpw-2025" target="_blank"><B>DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO YOURE TALKING TO? Beware of IMPOSTER SCAMS! Learn More></B></a> <a href="javascript:;" class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-close close" aria-label="Close this alert"></a> </div> <!-- Scroll Progress --> <div class="progress" role="progressbar" aria-hidden="true" aria-valuemin="0" aria-valuemax="100"> <div class="meter" style></div> </div> <!-- Search --> <div class="search_header"> <form class="search_form" id="search" action="https://www.uspis.gov/search/" autocomplete="off"> <input type="hidden" autocomplete="false"> <input type="text" name="skey" id="searchInput" required pattern=".+" aria-hidden="true" autocomplete="off" tabindex="-1"> <label class="placeholder" for="searchInput">Search</label> <button class="arrow_cta hidden" style="right:0">View All Results</button> <script> "use strict"; localStorage["max_records"] = 8; </script> </form> <div class="top_results hidden"></div> <div class="no_results hidden"> <strong class="header">No Results Found</strong> <p>Sorry, no results found for “Lorem Ipsum”. Try entering fewer or broader search terms.</p> </div> </div> </header> <a class="report-fab" href="https://www.uspis.gov/report/" aria-label="Report a Crime"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-report" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span class="label" aria-hidden="true">Report a Crime</span> </a> <main id="main" class="site_container"> <article class="about inspectors " id="page-16148"> <section class="hero "> <div class="foreground"> <div class="content"> <h1 data-eyebrow="USPIS "> History Spotlight </h1> </div> </div> <div class="background desktop_image parallax" style="background-image: url()"> </div> <div class="background mobile_image" style="background-image: url()"></div> <!-- Global Fixed Sharing Module --> <menu class="share fixed"> <a class="share-trigger" tabindex="-1" aria-label="Share this page"><i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-share"></i></a> <div class="wrap" role="menu"> <a href="#/facebook.com" role="menuitem" aria-label="Share this page on Facebook" title="Share this page on Facebook"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-facebook"></i> </a> <a href="#/twitter.com" role="menuitem" aria-label="Share this page on Twitter" title="Share this page on Twitter"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="#/copy" role="menuitem" aria-label="Copy a link to this page" title="Copy a link to this page"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-link"></i> </a> <a href="/subscribe" role="menuitem" onclick="goToSubscribe()"> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-prefix="fas" data-icon="envelope" class="svg-inline--fa fa-envelope fa-w-16" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 512 512" style=" width: 35%; height: auto; margin: 0 auto; display: block; "><path fill="currentColor" d="M502.3 190.8c3.9-3.1 9.7-.2 9.7 4.7V400c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V195.6c0-5 5.7-7.8 9.7-4.7 22.4 17.4 52.1 39.5 154.1 113.6 21.1 15.4 56.7 47.8 92.2 47.6 35.7.3 72-32.8 92.3-47.6 102-74.1 131.6-96.3 154-113.7zM256 320c23.2.4 56.6-29.2 73.4-41.4 132.7-96.3 142.8-104.7 173.4-128.7 5.8-4.5 9.2-11.5 9.2-18.9v-19c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112v19c0 7.4 3.4 14.3 9.2 18.9 30.6 23.9 40.7 32.4 173.4 128.7 16.8 12.2 50.2 41.8 73.4 41.4z"></path></svg> </a> </div> </menu> <script> function goToSubscribe() { window.location.href = '/subscribe'; } </script></section> <section class="blades "> <ul class="content"> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="september-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#september-2024">September 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/michigan-red.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/michigan-red.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>September 1, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/michigan-red-arrested-by-inspectors-pinkerton-detectives">Smith &#038; Wind Crime Spree Ends</a></strong><BR>On September 16, 1900, Post Office Inspectors and detectives of the Pinkerton Agency arrest “Michigan Red” for robbing multiple banks and post offices.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/michigan-red-arrested-by-inspectors-pinkerton-detectives" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="august-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#august-2024">August 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sam-smith-re-edit.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sam-smith-re-edit.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>August 1, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/smith-wind-crime-spree-ends">Smith &#038; Wind Crime Spree Ends</a></strong><BR>On August 4, 1898, Tim Wind and Sam Smith are arrested for the robbery of a Wells Fargo express train and two Kansas post offices.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/smith-wind-crime-spree-ends" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="july-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#july-2024">July 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/William-Kenyon.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/William-Kenyon.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>July 1, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/kenyon-delivers-during-two-world-wars">Kenyon Delivers During Two World Wars</a></strong><BR>On July 24, 1942, Postal Inspector William Kenyon is named acting chief of the Army Postal Service during World War II.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/kenyon-delivers-during-two-world-wars" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="june-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#june-2024">June 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/otd.6.20.24-3.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/otd.6.20.24-3.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>June 1, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/thieves-caught-on-camera">Thieves Caught on Camera</a></strong><BR>In 1977, New York City thieves stole a shipment of Registered Mail containing over $40,000 in U.S. Postage from a mail truck. Postal Inspectors jumped on the case.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/thieves-caught-on-camera" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="may-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#may-2024">May 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heritage-USA-Fraud-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heritage-USA-Fraud-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>May 4, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/heritage-usa-fraud">Heritage USA Fraud</a></strong><BR>Jim Bakker, a well-known televangelist, raised over $400 million by selling “lifetime partnerships” to a theme park &#038; resort in Fort Mill, SC. However, this proved to be nothing more than an elaborate scheme to steal from innocent victims.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/heritage-usa-fraud" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="april-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#april-2024">April 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/500-Con-Man-1.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/500-Con-Man-1.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>April 27, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/the-500-pound-con-man">The 500-Pound Con Man</a></strong><BR>Alex Herbage, a larger than life fraudster, stole over $56 MILLION from victim investors. After Postal Inspectors uncovered his scam, he had to be extradited to the United State in a military cargo plane due to his size. <BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/the-500-pound-con-man" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GLneH2ZWwAEtnIG.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GLneH2ZWwAEtnIG.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>April 20, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/the-robbery-of-maxwell-lackey">The Robbery OF Maxwell Lackey</a></strong><BR>Three men armed with revolvers escape with more than $50K of Registered Mail after robbing a mail truck on a quiet street in Butler, PA. Despite leaving little evidence, unusual purchases of new vehicles in Ohio set Postal Inspectors on their trail. <BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/the-robbery-of-maxwell-lackey" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Recovery-1.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Recovery-1.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>April 13, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/recovery-missions">Easton, Pennsylvania Mail Bombs</a></strong><BR>When disaster strikes, Postal Inspectors are called in to recover the mail, secure postal assets, and restore mail service. From salvaging wrecks to searching the depths of a frozen lake, recovery missions come in many forms. <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/recovery-missions" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Penns-Grove-1.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Penns-Grove-1.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>April 6, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/shootout-at-penns-grove-post-office">Shootout at Penn&#8217;s Grove Post Office</a></strong><BR>Nine men broke into the Penn&#8217;s Grove Post Office in hopes of stealing payroll checks. Little did they know &#8211; Postal Inspectors &#038; local police were already waiting for them.<BR><a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/shootout-at-penns-grove-post-office" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="march-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#march-2024">March 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/easton-Pennsylvania-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/easton-Pennsylvania-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>March 30, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/easton-pennsylvania-mail-bombs">Easton, Pennsylvania Mail Bombs</a></strong><BR>Two young men approached the counter at the Easton Post Office and handed over six packages to the clerk. What happened next resulted in tragedy.<a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/easton-pennsylvania-mail-bombs" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nobel-Train-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nobel-Train-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>March 23, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/callahan-gang">Frank P. Ellis &#038; the Nobel Robbery</a></strong><BR>FIn 1930, five bandits boarded a mail train near the abandoned Nobel, California train station and stole $56,000 worth of mail and goods.<a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/frank-p-ellis-the-nobel-train-robbery" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Callahan-2.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Callahan-2.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>March 16, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/callahan-gang">Callahan Gang</a></strong><BR>Following a shootout at the Breman station Post Office, Postal inspectors began pursuing a notorious gang known for stealing a fortune in diamonds. After a year of pursuing them, a chance encounter would help solve the case.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/callahan-gang" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Markland-2.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Markland-2.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>March 9, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/absalom-markland">Absalom Markland</a></strong><BR>Reliable mail service was critical during the Civil War. Recently discovered Absalom Markland was a Postal Inspector &#038; friend of Ulysses S. Grant, who played a vital role in establishing mail service for Union troops during the war.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/absalom-markland" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Polygraph-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Polygraph-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>March 2, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/women-inspectors-and-polygraphers">Women Inspectors and Polygraphers</a></strong><BR>The Postal Inspection Service became one of the first federal law enforcement agencies to hire female agents in 1971. From Janene Gordon to &#8220;DD&#8221; Thombs, woman Postal Inspectors have served vital roles for decades.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/women-inspectors-and-polygraphers" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="february-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#february-2024">February 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Leper-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Leper-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>February 24. 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/leper-colony-post-office">Leper Colony Post Office</a></strong><BR>Due to stigma &#038; misunderstandings surrounding the disease, individuals with leprosy were once isolated into colonies. being cut off, these residents looked to the post office as a vital means of communicating with the outside world.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/leper-colony-post-office" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Threatening-Letters-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Threatening-Letters-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>February 17. 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/threatening-letters">Threatening Letters</a></strong><BR>Threatening letters sent to government officials and high-profile individuals are nothing new. Today, protecting American officials and public figures remains an important aspect of the Inspection Service&#8217;s duties to our country.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/threatening-letters" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/black-history-5.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/black-history-5.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>February 10, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/black-history-in-the-inspection-service#george_b_hamlet">Black History in the Inspection Service Part 2</a></strong><BR>The Postal Inspection Service is made up of an elite group of men and women from all backgrounds &#038; walks of life, which adds to the strength of our agency.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/black-history-in-the-inspection-service#george_b_hamlet" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Black-History-1.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Black-History-1.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>February 3, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/black-history-in-the-inspection-service">Black History in the Inspection Service Part 1</a></strong><BR>Postal Inspectors have a long-standing tradition of hiring extraordinary individuals of all backgrounds. During Black History month, we proudly highlight some of the influential Black figures from our agency&#8217;s history.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/black-history-in-the-inspection-service" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> <li class="blade image_grid_blade" id="january-2024"> <h3><a class="toggle" href="#january-2024">January 2024</a></h3> <div class="blade_details"><div class="blade_padding"> <div class="grid"> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Smart-Corpse.jpg)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Smart-Corpse.jpg)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>January 27, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/smart-corpse">Smart Corpse</a></strong><BR>Following a baffling series of robberies onboard a mail train, Postal Inspector John Streich devised a clever plan to catch the thieves &#8211; he was going to wait inside a coffin until they appeared.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/smart-corpse" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/handwriting-4.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/handwriting-4.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>January 20, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/handwriting-analysis">Handwriting Analysis</a></strong><BR>In the 19th century, Postal Inspectors became experts in the field of handwriting analysis, as nearly every aspect of an inspector&#8217;s role included reading and investigating suspects&#8217; letters, signatures, and ultimately their handwriting.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/handwriting-analysis" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Steadman-3.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Steadman-3.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>January 13. 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/robberies-in-cook-county-post-offices">Robberies in Cook County Post Office</a></strong><BR>In 1893, several post offices were robbed in the Chicago area, The following year, Postal Inspectors arrested three men and their wives in connection with the robberies. But one of the men arrested was not who he said he was&#8230;<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/robberies-in-cook-county-post-offices" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="grid_row"> <div class="image"> <div class="inset mobile_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Counterfeiters-2.png)"></div> <div class="inset desktop_image" style="background-image: url(https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Counterfeiters-2.png)"></div> </div> <div class="text"> <h4>January 6, 2024</h4> <p><strong><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/chasing-down-the-counterfeiters">Chasing Down the Counterfeiters</a></strong><BR>Since the first stamp was issued, criminals have tired to make a quick buck by selling counterfeits. Postal Inspectors have been investigating &#038; combatting counterfeit postage for over 150 years.<br /> <a class="arrow_cta " style="color: #09172d;" href="https://www.uspis.gov/history-spotlight/chasing-down-the-counterfeiters" aria-label="Learn More">LEARN MORE</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </li> </ul> </section> </article><!-- #main --> </main><!-- #primary --> <footer class="footer" id="keel"> <div class="site-branding"> <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/" class="custom-logo-link " rel="home" itemprop="url"><img src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/themes/uspis/images/logo.svg" class="custom-logo" alt="United States Postal Inspection Service" itemprop="logo"></a> <span class="site-title">United States Postal Inspection Service</span> </div> <div class="wrap menus"> <nav id="nav_menu-2" class="menu widget_nav_menu"><span class="hidden">Footer Level 1</span><div class="menu-footer-level-1-container"><ul id="menu-footer-level-1" class="menu"><li id="menu-item-12643" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12643"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/careers">Careers</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1341" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1341"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/press-kit">Press Kit</a></li> <li id="menu-item-8108" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8108"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/medios-de-comunicacion-espanol">Medios de Comunicación - Español</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6179" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6179"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/report/victim-help-resources">Victim Help Resources</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13938" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-13938"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/fimsi">FIMSI</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6798" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6798"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/additional-resources">Additional Resources</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6779" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6779"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.usps.com/">USPS.com</a></li> </ul></div></nav><nav id="nav_menu-3" class="menu widget_nav_menu"><span class="hidden">Footer Level 2</span><div class="menu-footer-level-2-container"><ul id="menu-footer-level-2" class="menu"><li id="menu-item-1342" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1342"><a href="https://about.usps.com/who/legal/section-508/welcome.htm">Terms of Service and Accessibility</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1343" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1343"><a href="/terms-of-service/#privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1344" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1344"><a href="/terms-of-service/#asset-forfeiture">Asset Forfeiture</a></li> <li id="menu-item-1345" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1345"><a href="/terms-of-service/#freedom-of-information-act">Freedom of Information Act</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2690" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2690"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/sitemap">Sitemap</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11095" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11095"><a href="https://www.uspis.gov/subscribe">Subscribe</a></li> </ul></div></nav><nav id="custom_html-2" class="widget_text menu widget_custom_html"><span class="hidden">Contact Us</span><div class="textwidget custom-html-widget"><span class="headline">Contact Us</span> <p>To report a crime, <a href="/report" aria-label="Report a Crime">click here</a>.</p> <p><span style="padding-right:16px">Call:</span><a href="tel:+18778762455" aria-label="Call 1-877-876-2455">1-877-876-2455</a></p> <address aria-label="Mail">Criminal Investigations Service Center<br> Attn: Mail Fraud<br> 433 W.Harrison Street, Room 3255<br> Chicago, Il 60699-3255</address></div></nav><nav id="custom_html-3" class="widget_text menu social widget_custom_html"><span class="hidden">Social Links</span><div class="textwidget custom-html-widget"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Postalinspectors" target="_blank"><i class="uspis-icon-social-facebook" aria-label="Facebook"></i></a> <a href="https://x.com/USPIS_HQ" target="_blank"><i class="uspis-icon-social-twitter" aria-label="Twitter"></i></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postalinspectors/" target="_blank"><i class="uspis-icon-social-instagram" aria-label="Instagram"></i></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDPeYyj8pBF4BiAPlb8KMQ" target="_blank"><i class="uspis-icon-social-youtube" aria-label="YouTube"></i></a> </div></nav> </div> <div class="footer--copyright">Copyright &copy; 2025 USPIS. All Rights Reserved.</div> </footer> <menu class="share contextual" role="menu" hidden aria-hidden="true"> <a href="#/facebook.com" role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-label="Share this text on Facebook"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-facebook"></i> </a> <a href="#/twitter.com" role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-label="Share this text on Twitter"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-twitter"></i> </a> <a href="#/copy" role="menuitem" tabindex="-1" aria-label="Copy a link to this page"> <i class="uspis-icon uspis-icon-social-link"></i> </a> </menu> <label aria-hidden="true" class="label-share-link"><input name="share-link" type="text" value tabindex="-1"></label> <!-- Freesoul Deactivate Plugins has disabled 1 plugins on this page. --> <div class="simple-banner simple-banner-text" style="display:none !important"></div><script type="text/javascript" id="email-subscribers-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var es_data = {"messages":{"es_empty_email_notice":"Please enter email address","es_rate_limit_notice":"You need to wait for some time before subscribing again","es_single_optin_success_message":"Successfully Subscribed.","es_email_exists_notice":"Email Address already exists!","es_unexpected_error_notice":"Oops.. Unexpected error occurred.","es_invalid_email_notice":"Invalid email address","es_try_later_notice":"Please try after some time"},"es_ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/091e1.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="uspis-search-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var search_ajax = {"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","nonce":"9802c3cfb6"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/72d84.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="prevent-xss-vulnerability-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var selfXss = {"message":"You have entered an invalid link."}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/386e7.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="rm_main_js-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var rm_pre_data = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.uspis.gov\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","rm_nonce_field":"b777c130d1"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script src="https://www.uspis.gov/wp-content/cache/minify/0cbc1.js"></script> <!-- Templates --> <dialog class="dialog hidden" role="dialog"> <a data-name="close-button" class="close" title="close" tabindex="0">Close</a> <div data-name="header" class="header"></div> <section data-name="content" class="content"></section> </dialog><template id="news_item_template"> <a class="news_wrap" href="#/ignore"> <div class="news_item_padding"> <div class="news_item"> <span class="header"> <strong class="post_type"></strong> <time class="post_date"></time> </span> <div class="mobile_body"> <div class="mobile_left"> <span class="image post_image"> <span class="fill"></span> </span> <h2 class="post_title"></h2> </div> <div class="mobile_right"> <p class="post_body"></p> <span class="cta_wrap"> <span class="cta post_cta" aria-label=""><span class="post_cta_label"></span> <i class="" aria-hidden="true"></i></span> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </a> </template> </body> </html> <!-- JOTUNN -->

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10