Read PEN’s previous coverage here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 5\/29\/24 – A former postal carrier with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Richmond was sentenced today to one year and one month in prison for theft of mail.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, Wendy Lawrence, 40, stole mail, removing gift cards, checks, and other items of value for her own use. Lawrence also dumped mail entrusted to her care. Law enforcement recovered stolen mail from Lawrence\u2019s residence belonging to over 180 victims.<\/p>\n
After stealing checks from the mail, Lawrence used the bank account and routing information on those checks to initiate electronic payments, which she used for such expenses as her tax bill, pest control, and rent. On at least one occasion, to prolong and conceal the fraud scheme, Lawrence initiated a fraudulent address change with the USPS on behalf of a victim, rerouting the victim\u2019s mail to Lawrence\u2019s address. Law enforcement also recovered checks from Lawrence\u2019s residence that she forged for her own benefit, including checks in the name of at least 30 other individuals.<\/p>\n
Lawrence pled guilty on Feb. 29.<\/p>\n
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid Atlantic Area Field Office for the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; Ajay D. Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service \u2013 Washington Division; and Bradford W. Nunnally, Sheriff for Powhatan County, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. The Powhatan County Commonwealth\u2019s Attorney\u2019s Office provided substantial assistance.<\/p>\n
Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth prosecuted the case.<\/p>\n
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the\u00a0U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office<\/a>\u00a0for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the\u00a0District Court<\/a>\u00a0for the Eastern District of Virginia or on\u00a0PACER<\/a>\u00a0by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-17.<\/p>\n Read PEN’s previous coverage here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
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