A former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in Utah has been federally indicted after prosecutors accused him of throwing away approximately 300 mail-in ballots that were being delivered to voters ahead of the state’s June primary election.
Damon Matai Seei, 34, of Payson, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 16, 2026, on one count of unlawful secretion, destruction and delay of mail. The indictment was unsealed September 22, when the Justice Department announced the case.
Seei was arrested and appeared for arraignment at the Orrin G. Hatch U.S. Courthouse in Salt Lake City. According to multiple reports, he pleaded not guilty.
Quick Guide
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Damon Matai Seei |
| Age | 34 |
| Location | Payson, Utah |
| Former employer | U.S. Postal Service |
| Position | Letter carrier |
| Alleged incident | June 3, 2026 |
| Location of mail route | Eagle Mountain, Utah |
| Mail allegedly discarded | Approximately 300 mail-in ballots, along with other mail |
| Primary election | June 23, 2026 |
| Federal charge | Unlawful secretion, destruction and delay of mail |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Next court appearance | November 30, 2026 |
What Prosecutors Say Happened
According to court documents and the Justice Department, Seei was working as a letter carrier on June 3 and was responsible for delivering mail to at least 300 residents in the Eagle Mountain area.
The mail reportedly included advertisements as well as hundreds of mail-in ballots intended for voters participating in Utah’s June 23 primary election.
Federal prosecutors allege that Seei discarded some of the mail in a dumpster located in a church parking lot rather than delivering it to the intended recipients.
The Justice Department has said the case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Why the Mail-In Ballots Were Important
The ballots were sent to registered voters in Eagle Mountain ahead of the June primary. The federal case centers on allegations that mail entrusted to Seei for delivery was instead discarded.
According to the Justice Department, the discarded material included approximately 300 mail-in ballots. The department has characterized the alleged conduct as a federal offense involving the destruction and delay of mail.
The case does not establish that all affected voters were unable to participate in the election. Questions about whether individual voters ultimately obtained replacement ballots or otherwise voted are separate from the criminal allegations against Seei.
What Seei Told Investigators
A federal detention memo cited by the Justice Department says Seei told investigators that he wanted to “lighten his workload” and return home sooner.
Officials have also said Seei indicated that he did not have a political agenda. The available reporting does not establish a partisan motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
That distinction is important because the criminal case concerns the alleged handling and disposal of mail, while the question of motive remains a separate issue.
Seei Pleads Not Guilty
Seei appeared in federal court in Salt Lake City following his arrest and pleaded not guilty, according to reports on the arraignment.
He is no longer employed by the U.S. Postal Service.
Federal prosecutors have sought conditions governing his release while the case moves forward. Those conditions include reporting to a pretrial officer, maintaining or seeking employment, surrendering his passport and avoiding interference with mail delivery.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 30, 2026, at the Orrin G. Hatch U.S. Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Federal Charge Explained
The indictment charges Seei under federal law for the unlawful secretion, destruction and delay of mail.
The charge does not mean that Seei has been convicted. A federal grand jury indictment is an accusation, and the government must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt at trial if the case proceeds to that stage.
The Justice Department itself notes that Seei is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What Happens Next?
The case will now proceed through the federal court system. The November 30 hearing is the next scheduled court appearance listed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
Additional court filings could provide more information about the alleged disposal of the mail, the affected ballots and the government’s evidence.
For now, the central allegation remains that Seei, while working as a postal carrier, discarded mail entrusted to him for delivery, including approximately 300 mail-in ballots intended for Eagle Mountain voters.
The Justice Department has emphasized that the investigation involved federal law enforcement agencies and that the case concerns alleged unlawful handling of mail.
Legal Disclaimer
Damon Matai Seei has been indicted but has pleaded not guilty. An indictment contains allegations, not proof of guilt. Seei is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.