December 18, 2007

In the Matter of the Petition by

MARY LOERA

P.S. Docket No. DCA 07-379

APPEARANCE FOR PETITIONER:

Mary Loera

APPEARANCE FOR RESPONDENT:

Deborah E. Edmunds

Labor Relations Specialist

United States Postal Service

FINAL DECISION UNDER THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT OF 1982

Respondent’s Answer to the Petition was originally due on or about November 29, 2007. When no Answer was received, an Order dated December 5, 2007 stated that if Respondent intends to contest this case, an Answer or other appropriate pleading must be received in this office not later than December 14, 2007.

On December 7, 2007, Respondent’s representative filed a notice of appearance and a memorandum stating that Respondent did not receive the Petition and “is unable to respond.” Our records show that the Notice of Docketing, including the Petition and attached documents, was received in Respondent’s office in Dallas on November 19, 2007. Therefore, another Order, dated December 7, 2007 repeated the direction that an Answer or other appropriate leading must be received in this office by December 14, 2007, or this Petition would be granted without further notice.

The December 7 Order was faxed to Respondent on December 7, and also sent by certified mail. The certified mail copy was received by Respondent on December 11, 2007. Respondent has filed nothing further.

Accordingly, the Petition is granted. Respondent may not withhold money from Petitioner’s salary to collect the alleged debt. If any money has been withheld it must be returned to Petitioner.

Bruce R. Houston

Chief Administrative Law Judge