New Orleans Woman Charged with Theft of Government Funds

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SYLVIA CHESTNUT, age 37, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in one-count Bill of Information for stealing property from a Navy Exchange Store.

According to the Bill of Information, between November 12, 2011, and December 18, 2011, CHESTNUT wrote 43 worthless checks, totaling $20,549.36, to two Naval Exchange Stores in Florida.  CHESTNUT used the worthless checks to purchase clothing, household items, pre-paid Visa cards, and other personal items.

If convicted, CHESTNUT faces a maximum prison term of 10 years, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Frein of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are in charge of the prosecution.

Sylvia Chestnut Bill of Information