March 11, 2002

In the Matter of the Petition by

TIMOTHY STARR

1145 Evangeline Drive

at

Decatur, GA 30035-1002

P.S. Docket No. DCA 02-37

APPEARANCE FOR PETITIONER:

Timothy Starr

1145 Evangeline Drive

Decatur, GA  30035-1002

APPEARANCE FOR RESPONDENT:

Cynthia Johnson

Labor Relations Specialist

United States Postal Service

3900 Crown Road, Room 255

Atlanta, GA  30304-9351

FINAL DECISION UNDER THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982

            Respondent's Answer to the Petition in this case was originally due on February 6, 2002.  By Order dated February 7, 2002, Respondent's request for an extension of ten (10) days to file an Answer was granted.  The new due date was February 19, 2002.  Respondent filed no Answer.  By Order dated February 25, 2002, Respondent, the United States Postal Service, was advised that an Answer or other appropriate pleading must be received in this office by March 5, 2002.  Respondent was further advised that if an Answer or other appropriate pleading was not received by that date, the Petition may be granted without further notice.  Respondent received this Order on February 28, 2002, but has failed to file an Answer or other appropriate pleading.  Accordingly, the Petition is granted and Respondent may not collect the alleged debt from Petitioner’s salary by involuntary administrative offset.  If any money has been deducted from Petitioner's salary on account of this alleged debt it must be reimbursed to Petitioner.

                                                                        Bruce R. Houston

                                                                        Chief Administrative Law Judge