NH mail carrier accused of abusing child in mail truck

MANCHESTER, N.H. (WHDH) -- A New Hampshire mailman is facing assault charges after allegedly spanking a 10-year-old boy in his mail truck.

Police arrested Frank Saucier, 43, on Thursday morning. They say he would invite children into his truck to play house.

“There were some points where Mr. Saucier would pretend to be the father figure in all this. At one point in all this is when he spanked the 10-year-old child to simulate a disciplinary situation,” said Sgt. Craig Rousseau of the Manchester, N.H. Police Department.

Parents in the Amory Street neighborhood became suspicious when they learned children were spending time inside the mail carrier’s vehicle. They say Saucier had been on the route for about a year and it’s alleged that he began inviting children in the vehicle last September.

Police say there were situations were several children were in the truck at one time, boys and girls ages 9 to 11 years old.

“We’ve always been able to trust the mail carriers in the area. It’s never been a problem. It’s never been an issue. I would have some concerns if I heard a story like that with my kids,” said Bob Nault, a parent.

The United States Postal Service released a statement saying: “The Postal Inspection Service does not comment on ongoing investigations; however, what I can say is the U.S. Postal Inspection Service takes these allegations very seriously. This isolated incident is not representative of the honesty and integrity of postal employees serving our nation today. The Postal Inspection Service will continue to enforce the laws that protect and prevent the American people from criminal acts. Even with today's arrest, the individual charged is entitled to a presumption of innocence until he or she has been convicted in a court of law.”

The suspect posted $5,000 bail on Thursday afternoon. Saucier will face a judge in May. Police say more charges could be filed.