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Press Release

Postmaster Embezzled $13K+ From Rural Valley, Pa., Post Office

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Export, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of misappropriation of postal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lawrence F. Stoken, III, 47, pleaded guilty to 1 count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while employed as the Postmaster at the Rural Valley, Pennsylvania Post Office, Lawrence F. Stoken, III embezzled approximately $13,255.90 from the sale of stamps and postal money orders during the period from October 2011 to March 2013.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stoken.

Updated July 14, 2015