§1700. Desertion of mails

Whoever, having taken charge of any mail, voluntarily quits or deserts the same before he has delivered it into the post office at the termination of the route, or to some known mail carrier, messenger, agent, or other employee in the Postal Service authorized to receive the same, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 778 ; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(G), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §322 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §199, 35 Stat. 1126 ).

Minor changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994-Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $500".