2003-03-14 -- Spedaliere, Nicholas -- Guilty Plea -- News Release

Deputy U.S. Marshal Admits Stealing Cash Seized from Fugitive

NEWARK - A Deputy U.S. Marshal of the United States Marshals Service pleaded guilty today to stealing $11,778 in cash that had been seized from a fugitive, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

Nicholas Spedaliere, 43, of Marlton, who was employed at the Camden office of the U.S. Marshals Service, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information, charging him with stealing money of the United States, namely, evidence within the custody of the Marshals Service totaling approximately $11,778, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah L. Goldklang.

"The price of greed is steep," Christie said. "Mr. Spedaliere's career in law enforcement is most certainly over. This case, however, does not reflect whatsoever on the valuable, necessary and exemplary work performed by the Marshals Service."

Spedaliere appeared today before U.S. District Judge Joseph A. Greenaway, Jr. to plead guilty pursuant to a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office. Sentencing was set for July 1. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Spedaliere admitted that he stole $11,778 in cash from the custody of the Marshals Service while he was employed as a deputy in Camden. Spedaliere further admitted that he had seized the currency from a fugitive from justice after Spedaliere had arrested the fugitive in June 1999, as part of Spedaliere's official duties as a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

Spedaliere was a Deputy U.S. Marshal since February 1996. He resigned voluntarily in January.

Under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Judge Greenaway will determine Spedaliere's actual sentence based on a formula that takes into account the severity and characteristics of the offense as well as other factors.

Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Under Sentencing Guidelines, defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.

Christie credited Special Agents of the Office of the Inspector General, United States Department of Justice, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ralph F. Paige, for their work in developing the case.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Goldklang of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

-end-

Defense Counsel: William J. Hughes, Esq., Atlantic City.