August 14, 2002

In the Matter of the Petition by

JUDY C. TEXEIRA

318 Sycamore Avenue)

at

Modesto, CA 95354-0552

P.S. Docket No. DCA 02-303

APPEARANCE FOR PETITIONER:

Debra A. Baker

NAPS, Area Vice President

932 Alpine Avenue

Manteca, CA 95336-3822

APPEARANCE FOR RESPONDENT:

Peter J. Henry, Esq.

Employee and Labor Law

United States Postal Service

475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Room 6414

Washington, DC 20260-1150

FINAL DECISION UNDER THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982

            Respondent's Answer to the Petition was due on approximately July 1, 2002.  On July 10, 2002, no answer having been received, an Order was issued stating that if Respondent intended to contest this case an Answer or other appropriate pleading must be received in this office by July 22, 2002.  Respondent received this Order on July 11, 2002, but filed nothing.

            On July 30, 2002, Respondent was directed to show cause, not later than August 13, 2002, why the Petition should not be granted in this case, based on Respondent's failure to file a timely Answer.  Again, Respondent has filed nothing.  Accordingly, the Petition is granted.  Respondent may not withhold money from Petitioner's salary on account of the debt alleged in this case.

                                                                                    Bruce R. Houston

                                                                                    Chief Administrative Law Judge