USPS EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO MAIL FRAUD

(HOUSTON, Texas) – A former United States Postal employee has pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. The case was initiated by collaborative effort between the United States Postal Service (USPS) – Office of Inspector General and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Dwayne Mickens, 37, of Deer Park, Texas, began his employment with the USPS in 1992 as a temporary employee until his service became permanent in 1999. Once he became a permanent employee, he was continually employed by the USPS until July 27, 2007. However, from June 1997 through February 2007, Mickens misrepresented his earning to the TWC, and, as a result, was over-paid $43,878 in unemployment insurance benefits, to which he was not entitled. He filed eight separate claims for unemployment compensation and thus caused the TWC to place payments for the fraudulent claims addressed to Dwayne Mickens in an authorized depository for mail. During the period of this fraud, Mickens earned on average $43,000 per year.

Mickens faces a maximum 20-year-term of imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and is scheduled to be sentenced in May. He is required to pay restitution in the amount of $43,878. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bertram Isaacs.

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