JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville couple received Christmas cards over the holidays from their grandparents. But, there was something important missing from inside those cards.
"It's so obvious it was theft. My letter here...it's opened with a letter opener. This wasn't shredded through a machine. It was sliced right down the side," Cody Pafford said.
Cody Pafford and his fiancé, Kayla Fuller, received these cards over the holidays from their grandparents. Pafford said his family sent him $100 for his birthday. Fuller received $20 for Christmas from her grandparents.
"My grandparents have a ton of cousins on my side of the family. So, they usually only send about $20. But, they are adamant about sending it for birthdays and Christmas," Kayla Fuller explained.
When they received their mail, they say it was clear the envelopes had been tampered with and there was a note from the United States Postal Service saying their mail was damaged. When they opened the envelopes, no money was to be found.
"My grandpa actually passed away this last week. I didn't want to tell them and stress them about that. So, I told them I appreciate the card and I didn't mention it. I didn't want them to be stressed that the money had been lost," Fuller added.
Pafford and Fuller both contacted the United States Postal Service and asked for an investigation.
"I asked them if they knew where it happened. Her's (Fuller) was actually insured. If so, they should have been able to do more of an investigation. They haven't even gone back to her to try to get her money back or anything like that," Pafford said.
The couple said they were told there was no evidence of mail theft or suspicious activity.
"I'd like them to find out who did it and have them fired and make sure that doesn't happen again," Pafford responded.
"Yeah, just some responsibility and accountability for the situation. I feel like it was passed off as nothing was wrong and nothing happened. But, we have evidence and proof that it was tampered with," Fuller said.
The Ask Anthony team contacted the United States Postal Service and was told our questions were sent to the Postal Inspection Service. At this time, we have not received a response.
The United States Postal Service does not prohibit sending cash in the mail. But, they advise you to try other options. For example, sending money using a personal or certified check or money order. These are traceable and a stop payment can be put on a check if it doesn't arrive at its destination.