Avondale Woman Charged With Conspiracy To Commit Mail Fraud

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PENNY JOHNSON, age 52, of Avondale, Louisiana, was charged by the Grand Jury with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and seven counts of mail fraud.  

According to the charging document, JOHNSON participated in a “work at home” re-shipping scam wherein internet fraudsters would direct items purchased from sellers such as eBay to JOHNSON’s residence. As part of the scheme, JOHNSON would then inspect the contents and re-ship the mail and other packages to the fraudsters. Prior to the Indictment, JOHNSON had been advised by United States Postal inspectors that she was facilitating a fraud upon eBay and other online customers, but she persisted. JOHNSON went on to make false statements to the inspectors when she was later questioned after the first warning.  

JOHNSON faces a sentence of up to five (5) years in prison on the conspiracy count and up to twenty (20) years in prison for each mail fraud count.  She also is facing up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service for their investigation of the matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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