MOSS LAKE — Someone has been playing mailbox baseball in the Moss Lake area, Cooke County Sheriff Mike Compton said Thursday.
“We have recently had in excess of 50 mailboxes vandalized near Moss Lake,” he said.
Destroying mailboxes isn’t uncommon, especially in rural areas.
But the penalty for such criminal behavior may be stiffer than many realize.
According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mailboxes are considered federal property.
Under federal law (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1705), it is a crime to vandalize mailboxes or to injure, deface or destroy any mail deposited in them. Violators can be fined up to $250,000, or imprisoned for up to three years for each act of vandalism.
Compton said the sheriff’s department takes the crimes seriously.
“The Cooke County Sheriff’s Office will double efforts to apprehend these vandals and intends to turn all subjects identified in vandalizing mailboxes over to federal authorities,” he said.
Compton also said rural residents should try to note the license plate numbers of anyone who may be involved in the vandalism incidents. However, he also offered a warning for residents who decide to take matters into their own hands.
“Do not try to apprehend them yourselves,” he said.
The sheriff’s office is expecting some help with the cases.
“We will be assisted by undercover federal agents in our attempt to stop this vandalism,” he said.
Incidents have occurred at several locations around Moss Lake including FM 1201 and Spur 1201 near the old marina and beach, he said.
Local News
Sheriff reports about 50 mailboxes damaged
- Local News
-
-
League announces district realignment
The wait is over and the scrambling began early Thursday morning with the release of the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment.
-
Child advocate volunteers needed for court hearings
Recruitment continues from local members of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) North Texas.
-
Sister remembers her brother's good humor
Word of the sudden death of a well-liked seventh-grader at Gainesville Middle School has left students, faculty, and staff grieving.
-
Teachers, students anticipate new STAAR test
Teachers and administrators are preparing for the upcoming State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test.
-
Bridge widening begins
Bridge widening continues at Pecan Creek to prepare for the Army Corps of Engineers to expand and deepen the creek channel.
-
Officials mum about coach's suspension
CALLISBURG — Feedback from Callisburg ISD officials has been scarce regarding the suspension of high school basketball coach Randy Freeman on Jan. 10.
-
Community joins Chamber celebration
Tuesday’s 90th-anniversary banquet for Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce honored history and fed the masses in tall style.
-
Harlem Ambassadors face off against State Farm Hoopers
The international-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors will face the State Farm Hoopsters at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Gainesville High School Gymnasium.
-
Two-vehicle crash on California Street
A two-vehicle collision occured at 11:12 p.m. Wednesday at 1100 W. California St.
-
Cuts leave school programs in jeopardy
Results of a recent survey show that education budget cuts in Texas are doing damage that reaches into classrooms.
- More Local News Headlines
-






