Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) held a press conference alongside Rancho Cordova Councilmember Linda Budge, Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and residents in response to the recently released U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit report on mail theft in Sacramento County. 

"Despite extensive collaborative efforts from my office with USPS and USPIS to address the persistent concerns raised by constituents, the findings of this audit are completely unacceptable," said Representative Bera. "The audit identified serious systemic issues including missing and unaccounted-for arrow keys, inadequate oversight and a troubling lack of mandatory inspections. The Postal Service must immediately implement the Inspector General's recommendations to restore public trust and ensure that Sacramento County residents have the secure and reliable mail services they deserve."

The audit, requested by Rep. Bera following months of community concerns, uncovered alarming deficiencies in how local postal facilities track, secure and inspect mailboxes — including widespread mismanagement of arrow keys and a lack of basic oversight procedures.

“Mail theft has become the scourge of many communities—not just in our area, but all across this country—and it’s not a new issue, ” said Michael Mashburn, Natomas Park Safety Committee Chairman. “We have been tracking data since 2020, and every year it doubles. This audit is a move in the right direction, and I want to thank Congressman Bera for it because it’s giving us the opportunity to try and find a way to fix this issue."   

“Together as a community we must work together to hold the USPS accountable for their failed leadership, lack of oversight procedure and mismanagement of master keys. We must hold them accountable along with the criminals responsible who steal our mail, ” said Councilmember Kaplan. “ I am proud to stand with Congressman Bera and my community as we demand action.”

“The group mailboxes have provided over two decades of opportunity for mail and identity theft, ” said Councilmember Budge. “Rancho Cordova is extremely appreciative of Congressman Bera’s efforts to bring some attention to this problem, and we are happy to work with him to help create a solution.”

The OIG audit focused on three postal facilities in Sacramento County:

• Sacramento Main Post Office (Royal Oaks Dr)

• Fort Sutter Station (Alhambra Blvd)

• Rancho Cordova Post Office (Progress Ct)

Key Findings Include:

• “The Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not properly track their arrow key inventories.”

• “There is no tracking mechanism in place that distinguishes whether a CBU is postal-owned or privately owned.” 

• “Local management at the Sacramento Main Post Office, Fort Sutter Station, and Rancho Cordova Main Post Office did not perform the annual safety inspections for the condition of blue collection boxes, CBUs, and green relay boxes.”

The report outlines why these failures occurred, their impact on the community, and specific steps for corrective action. The OIG has also issued implementation deadlines and will require proof of compliance.

Congressman Bera’s office will closely monitor the Postal Service’s progress in addressing these critical issues and will continue advocating on behalf of Sacramento County residents to ensure their mail is delivered securely and on time. 

You can find the full audit report here.