Photo by Joe Clark, Publisher of The Morehead Minute
Residents in the Holly Fork area of Rowan County are dealing with a troubling pattern of vandalism after multiple mailboxes were damaged for the second consecutive weekend.
The incidents have been reported to law enforcement, and authorities are aware of the ongoing problem.
Vandalizing or destroying a mailbox is not simply a prank. Depending on the circumstances, damaging a U.S. mailbox or the mail it contains may violate both federal and Kentucky law. Kentucky law makes theft or intentional damage to mail matter a Class D felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. Federal law also provides criminal penalties for willfully damaging or destroying mailboxes and mail.
Anyone in the Holly Fork area who discovers that their mailbox has been damaged is encouraged to contact law enforcement and file a report, even if they believe the damage is minor. Every report helps investigators establish the scope of the incidents and may assist in identifying those responsible.
Residents are also encouraged to review any home security camera footage or trail camera images they may have from the affected time periods. Anyone with information that could assist investigators should contact law enforcement.
The Morehead Minute will continue to follow this story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.