May 17, 2006

In the Matter of the Petition by

CLINTON W. SMITH

P.S. Docket No. DCA 06-60

APPEARANCE FOR PETITIONER:

Clinton W. Smith

APPEARANCE FOR RESPONDENT:

Henry M. Amos

Labor Relations Manager

United States Postal Service

FINAL DECISION UNDER THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982

Respondent’s Answer to the Petition was due on or about April 24, 2006. An Order dated May 1, 2006 stated that if Respondent intended to contest this case, an Answer or other appropriate pleading must be received in this office by May 12, 2006, otherwise the Petition could be granted without further notice. Respondent received that Order on May 5, 2006, but filed nothing.

Accordingly, the Petition is granted. Respondent may not collect money from Petitioner to collect the alleged $1,691.61 debt. If any money has been withheld from Petitioner on account of this alleged debt, it shall be returned to him.

Bruce R. Houston

Chief Administrative Law Judge