United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE EMPLOYEE ADMITS ENGAGING IN MONEY ORDER KITING SCHEME

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN RYAN, 58, of Litchfield, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to one count of misappropriation of postal funds.

According to court documents and statements made in court,  between June 2008 and June 2009, RYAN was the Officer in Charge of the North Canton Post Office.  While serving as the Office in Charge, RYAN imprinted and deposited into his personal bank account postal money orders without making the required corresponding payments to the U.S. Postal Service until days or weeks later.  During this time, RYAN kited approximately 66 money orders.  When interviewed by federal agents on June 10, 2009, RYAN turned over six money order vouchers that had been redeemed but not paid for.  The total amount of money RYAN failed to pay to the U.S. Postal Service was $2,040.

Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2010, at which time RYAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter has been investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul H. McConnell.

CONTACT:

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