West Virginia Postmaster Relief (PMR) pleads guilty to theft
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that Brenda Carmody, age 49, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to misappropriation of postal funds between August of 2013 and January of 2014. Carmody admitting to taking $1,551.91 from the stamp drawer and $480 from post office box rentals from the Rippon, West Virginia, post office while she was working as Postmaster Relief. Carmody, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 year in prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri and investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Former West Virginia OIC sentenced for theft
Christy D. Ruble, age 32, of West Milford, West Virginia, former officer in charge of the West Milford post office, was sentenced to 5 years probation for embezzlement from postal accounts. Ruble was OIC from approximately July 2012 until mid-October 2013. After an audit of the West Milford post office it revealed a shortage of approximately $12,754.00, which included a shortage of approximately $9,500.00 in main stock and $3,100.00 in Ruble’s personal stock. A reading of the postage meter revealed that it was approximately $2,485.00 short.  Ruble admitted to taking $80.00-$100.00 at a time from November 2012 to cover personal expenses since she had been experiencing financial difficulties. The Court also ordered Ruble to make restitution in the amount of $15,238.65 to the U.S. Postal Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower and investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

Former Tappen PMR to plead guilty in postal theft
BISMARCK, North Dakota — A part-time Postmaster Relief at the Tappen post office says she will plead guilty to theft. Samantha Mittleider is charged in federal court with misappropriation of postal funds and false statements. Mittleider reported sales of money orders on USPS financial reports up to 13 days later than the actual sales date, in order to allow her more time use the money and to try to later cover the sales. In some cases she failed to deposit the money from sales of money orders. Authorities say Mittleider stole 3 money orders worth  $1,152.76 between February 2013 and April 2013. The plea agreement says Mittleider also failed to disclose she was fired from a previous job for theft. A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled Oct. 10 in Bismarck. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.