(AP) -- DETROIT  - A Michigan mail carrier who authorities say stashed thousands of pieces of mail in a storage unit has been charged with a misdemeanor. Jill Hull is accused of deserting the mail for more than two years, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in prison. The charge was filed last week in federal court in Detroit. Postal investigators say Hull admitted to storing mail because she couldn't keep up with deliveries on her route in Livingston County.

The mail was discovered in September after Hull missed payments on her storage space in Fowlerville. Hull's case was not presented to a grand jury, which means a guilty plea is likely. Messages seeking comment were left Monday with her attorney and the prosecutor. She first appeared in court in October.

(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)