May 24, 2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Investigators say a mail truck driver was stealing prescription drugs from the mail, snorting drugs while on the job and carrying a gun.
Joshua Blankenship pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to unlawful possession of a firearm by a drug addict as part of a plea deal.
Blankenship, who's from Huntington, was a driver for a mail carrier under contract with the United States Postal Service.
In May of 2008 the USPS began investigating complaints about prescription medicines being reported missing from a route driven by Blankenship. Blankenship traveled from Huntington to the post office in Williamson.
During the investigation, investigators watched Blankenship make three brief stops on the side of the road during his route. When they approached Blankenship, they found evidence of rifled mail in the truck and a revolver concealed in the waistband of his pants.
Investigators also found a second handgun in a duffel bag and paraphernalia used to smoke, crush and snort drugs.
Blankenship admitted to investigators that he had been stealing prescription medicines from the mail he was delivering. He also admitted to snorting hydrocodone pills during the three stops he made along his route. He told investigators he had a three-year history of drug addiction.
Blankenship is forfeiting ownership of two handguns as part of a plea. He will be sentenced December 10. Blankenship faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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