Complaints prompt postmaster to expel homeless woman
Milford Postmaster Henry Radcliff said customer complaints and the need to keep the Milford Post Office lobby open demanded that a homeless woman be barred from the West Harford Street facility. Radcliff has obtained a letter, which he declined to provide, from US Postal Inspectors authorizing him to have borough police remove Marina Beilman from the post office, should she enter it again. Radcliff said he had learned from customers that the Beilman, who is a familiar sight pushing her wheelchair along borough streets, had been staying in the lobby on some occasions. People had reported seeing her there, partially clothed. Radcliff wanted her charged with criminal trespass after feces was found in the lobby trash one morning. Pike County District Attorney Doug Jacobs said earlier that the office is a public facility. I dont believe this rises to the level of criminal trespass and I dont believe that jail is what she needs, Jacobs said. Beilman has been evaluated and released by mental health officials several times in recent months. Radcliff said he was faced with the closing down the lobby. Automatic locks allow it to be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. It meant the lobby would only be open when the office counter is , from 8:30 to 5 p.m. I could not see inconveniencing our 1,400 boxholders, but people were complaining about her foul language and her odor. They didnt want to come in here, Radcliff said. After receiving several written complaints about Beilman, Radcliff said he was able to contact postal inspectors, who issued certified letter directives to him, Beilman and the Milford police. Radcliff said he has since spoken to Beilman about the directive. He said he has also revoked her post office box in the building. Our basic services are available elsewhere. She can buy stamps in other stores and there are mail boxes for drop-off. She knows she cant come in here anymore, he said.