Former post office employee convicted of embezzling funds

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ceressa B. Patterson, 29, of Fairview, West Virginia, was convicted of stealing funds from the United States Postal Service today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Patterson, formerly employed at the Pentress, West Virginia Post Office, embezzled nearly $2,000 from the post office by taking proceeds from the sale of money orders and stamps for her own personal use.

Patterson pled guilty today to one count of “Misappropriation of Postal Funds.” She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated.

United States Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.