My question involves civil rights in the State of: Pennsylvania
I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong section.
Now for my question: Is it illegal to touch mail that is addressed to "Resident/Business Owner"? I was at my roommate's work. It is an extremely small business. I noticed mail in the open that was addressed, "For Business Owner", so I picked it up and went to the back to ask the manager, "Hey since it's not addressed to a specific name, do you mind if I open it?" And he replied saying that it was against federal law and his attitude quickly changed. I of course know that it's illegal to touch mail if it clearly states that it is for someone, but again, it said "For Business Owner", which is the only reason why I picked it up to ask in the first place.
I relate what happened to circulars that are addressed "To Resident" and since most of us end up trashing those, I genuinely thought it'd be okay to ask him. I simply thought it was a marketing effort, which majority of us also tend to ignore and trash, so I thought it'd be okay. But I guess not.
I'd like to put emphasis on the fact that my question wasn't ill-intentioned by any means, and it was out of complete curiosity as to what kind of loans are offered to small businesses. I've always talked about one day opening up a place of my own, if that means anything. Due to the fact that I'm already naturally paranoid, I can't help but think the manager will tell the owner, who is then going to file charges against me. I also don't want my friends getting in trouble because I don't want the manager to think they gave me the okay to ask the manager. I have apologized to the manager two times and explained that I honestly didn't know it was wrong, he simply ignored me. Mind you, we had a new, but already decently established 'friendship', if you will and I'm sure he knew that my apology was sincere.
Thoughts or comments?

