Goldsboro Woman Indicted For Theft, Obstruction, And Falsification

RALEIGH - U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that a federal grand jury in Raleigh, North Carolina, indicted DEBORAH CARR BATTLE, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, in a three count indictment charging theft of government monies, obstruction of agency proceedings, and falsification of documents in connection with a federal investigation.

BATTLE is a tailor who owns and operates a store called Lydia’s Alterations near the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  The United States Air Force 4th Mission Support Group utilized BATTLE as a vendor to undertake sewing and tailoring work on the uniforms of airmen who were to be deployed overseas in connection with Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). 

The indictment alleges that, over the course of two years, BATTLE made dozens of unauthorized charges using two different government purchase cards, in increments of $2,999.99 or less.

See the attached indictment. 150923_battle_indictment.pdf (438.62 KB)

If convicted of all charges BATTLE faces a maximum fine of $250,000.00 on each count, and a sentence of 10 years of imprisonment on count one, theft of government monies, 5 years imprisonment on count two, obstruction of agency proceedings, and 20 years on count three, falsification of documents in connection with a federal investigation.   

The charges contained in this indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).  Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye is prosecuting the case for the government.