(November 19, 2014) TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka postal employee was indicted Wednesday on a federal charge of stealing prescription medications from the mail, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Terry D. Ricley, 44, Burlingame, Kan., (Postal Support Employee [PSE] Mail Processing Clerk) who worked sorting mail at the Topeka Post Office North Station, was charged with one count of theft by a postal employee. The indictment alleged he stole Hydrocodone and Tramadol being delivered by mail.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service – OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.