UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ALICE H. MARTIN NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: KAREN NARAMORE
	FEBRUARY 26, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

U.S. CONTRACT POSTAL WORKERS CHARGED WITH STEALING MAILED ITEMS

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - KANDA LEE HARKNESS, 47, of Jasper, Alabama, and MARY ELIZABETH WAITES, 40, Anniston, Alabama, were  charged in separate one-count indictments filed today at U. S. District Court in Birmingham.   United States Attorney Alice H. Martin and Martin Phanco, Postal Inspector/Domicile Coordinator, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announce today that in separate indictments HARKNESS and WAITES were indicted by a federal grand jury for the embezzlement and unauthorized use of letter contents being sent through the U.S. Mail.

            Both indictments charged that on various occasions in 2008, while employed by the U.S. Postal Service as Highway Commercial Drivers, the employees unlawfully took and opened letters containing cash and letters sent to numerous addressees.

            The penalty under Count 1 for mail theft and embezzlement is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

            “Maintaining the highest degree of integrity in the U.S. Postal delivery service is a top priority for this office and violators should take note that such prosecutions  will be pursued diligently,” said U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

            The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Frank M. Salter is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.

            Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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