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NEWS
Former postal carrier sentenced to prison time
CHARLESTON -- Huntington resident Joshua M. Blankenship, 30, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to serve 12 months and one day in prison for being an addict in possession of two firearms.
Blankenship pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 2.
The conviction stems from an investigation initiated in May 2008, by the U.S. Postal Service, following reports of stolen prescription medicines from mail destined for counties in southern West Virginia. The investigation focused on Blankenship, a driver for a contract mail carrier working in the area.
On May 22, 2008, investigators followed Blankenship during his route. While en route to the Williamson post office, investigators observed Blankenship pull the truck to the side of the road on three separate occasions. Upon arrival at the Williamson post office, investigators approached Blankenship and found rifled and opened mail.
Investigators also seized a loaded revolver concealed in Blankenship's waistband and a loaded .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol concealed in his personal duffel bag.
Later, Blankenship admitted to a three-year addiction to pain pills. Blankenship further admitted to stealing pills containing hydrocodone from the mail he carried, and to crushing and snorting pills during the three stops on the way to Williamson.
