Former United States Postal Employee Charged With Theft

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Keri Laird, age 42, of Madisonburg, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with theft.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that between August 7, 2013 and January 21, 2015, Laird stole $5,489 from the United States Postal Service. At the time, Laird was employed at the Madisonburg Post Office.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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