United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW HAVEN WOMAN TO SERVE TIME IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR LEADING STOLEN CHECK RING

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIE D. SMITH, 39, of Elm Street, New Haven, was sentenced yesterday, July 7, by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for leading a stolen check ring.  On December 20, 2007, SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of altering stolen checks.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on at least 12 occasions in 2004 and 2005, SMITH received U.S. Treasury checks that had been stolen by Heather Little from the U.S. Mail at Columbus House in New Haven, altered the checks to reflect a greater face value and a different individual’s name, and then had accomplices negotiate the checks at various local post offices.  SMITH and her accomplices would then share in the proceeds.

Judge Hall also ordered SMITH to pay restitution in the amount of $15,009.

On April 22, 2008, Little, of Hamden, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen mail.  She awaits sentencing.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov