U.S. Department of Justice

                                                                                    United States Attorney

                                                                                    Northern District of Indiana

Joseph S. Van Bokkelen                                                                                        E. Ross Adair Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

United States Attorney                                                                                          1300 South Harrison, Room 3128                                               (260) 422-2595

                                                                                                                              Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802                                              FAX: (260) 426-1616

TTD: (260) 420-7258

                                                                                    April 27, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASED BY:                   Joseph S. Van Bokkelen

                                                United States Attorney

                                                Northern District of Indiana

                                                5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500

                                                Hammond, Indiana 46320 

PRESS RELEASE

            The United States Attorney's Office announced that MICHAEL MERRIMAN, age 55, of Roanoke, Indiana, has been charged by way of an Information with converting to his own use approximately $1,809.00 in postal money funds, which said funds came into his control in the execution and color of his office, employment and service as a postal employee.

            These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King, who can be reached at (260) 422-2595 for any inquiries.

            The specific sentence to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

            The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that the Information is merely an allegation at this time and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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