Listen to Fox News articles on the latest criminal indictment involving a U.S. Postal Service employee accused of discarding mail-in ballots. Damon Matai Seei from Utah has been arrested following allegations of mail misconduct.
Indictment and Initial Court Appearance
Damon Seei, aged 34, from Payson, Utah, faces an indictment by a federal grand jury. He was charged with unlawfully secreting, destroying, and delaying mail. The indictment came on September 16, and Seei appeared in federal court in Salt Lake City after his arrest.
Alleged Offense During Mail Shift
Federal prosecutors claim Seei, while serving as a letter carrier on June 3, withheld over 300 mail pieces intended for residents in Eagle Mountain, Utah. The mail included clearly marked ballots for the primary election scheduled for June 23. Seei allegedly separated the ballots and discarded them within 90 minutes of starting his shift, along with other mail items.
Impact on Voter Participation
This incident prompted several complaints regarding non-received ballots from voters in the affected area. The Utah County Clerk noted unusually low voter participation, suspecting Seei’s actions as the cause. It’s unclear whether alternate ballots reached impacted voters or if voting continued without hindrance. Officials plan to contact these voters to confirm their voting status.
Political Motive Denied
Seei has informed investigators that no political motive influenced his actions. The investigation continues, involving collaboration between the USPS Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal Response
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, highlighting threats to election integrity. The case reflects the bipartisan need for safeguarding ballot integrity.
Legal Proceedings
Seei is set for a follow-up court appearance on November 30. The ongoing investigation seeks clarity on the incident and its repercussions.
Brittany Miller is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and Syracuse University graduate.