2.68 POSSESSION OF STOLEN MAIL / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1708 (Third Paragraph) is a federal offense that prohibits individuals from knowingly possessing stolen mail. The offense is broken down into two broad categories: possession of stolen mail with the intent to use it or to sell it, and possession of stolen mail with the intent to use it for an unlawful purpose. In either case, the individual must have knowledge that the mail was stolen. The penalty for this offense can include imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine. There can also be additional penalties depending on the circumstances of the case.