Can holding somebody's mail be a federal offense?

Question

I was with an old roommate and we ended on bad terms. I put in a change of address, but it wasn't soon enough. A lot of my stuff for school and work has been going there and won't come to my house just yet. I've tried calling her and asking her to give it but she said no. So if she threw it away or even opened it then threw it away, is that considered a federal offense, and if so, can I put charges or something on her for that?

Answer 1

Yes, it is a federal Offense. Your Ex-Room mate can not withhold your mail.

Answer 2

Contact the post office.  There is an agency called the Postal Inspectors.  Intentional misdirection of mail is a federal offense.

Answer 3

speak to the post master at the post office

Answer 4

Holding mail is, however disposing of or returning mail delivered to your home that is addressed to someone else is not.

Answer 5

Yes.

Answer 6

Yes, if you are holding mail that does not belong to you than it is a federal offence.

-Mariska Hargitay

Answer 7

You bet it is...I know of someone that got house arrest for one year because she was stashing other people's mail and opening them up.

Answer 8

Yes, especially 1st class mail.

She can be arrested for it, but they will have to prove that she actually received it first.

Answer 9

Yes, tampering with the mail is a Federal offense.  Contact your local post office and they should connect you with the Postal Inspectors.