Kanawha County Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud

Sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for stealing from law firm and real estate company

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Casdorph was sentenced to eighteen months of incarceration, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Casdorph, 58, of Charleston, West Virginia previously entered a guilty plea to the federal felony offense of Mail Fraud on February 6, 2019.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $134,755.44, to the law firm and real estate company where he was previously employed, as well as an insurance company that paid back a portion of defendant’s theft.  United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service.   

“Cases like these literally defy explanation.  Casdorph was trusted by his employer to the level that he was even promoted to help manage the company’s money.  Instead of returning that trust with honest, hard work, Casdorph devised a terrible scheme to steal for one reason – personal greed,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Returning trust by biting the hand that feeds you.  Makes no sense.  We prosecute cases like these to the fullest extent of the law.”

Casdorph previously worked at a Charleston, West Virginia law firm and land company as a runner.  In 2011, he was internally promoted to receive accounts and help manage money.  Casdorph devised a scheme to defraud the law firm by including personal bills within the bills that the law firm was required to pay.   He would present a check for signature that included both the law firm/land company bill and his personal bills totaled together. These included power, water, cell phone, state and local taxes and credit card bills.  Casdorph would then place the check in the mail.  This scheme went on for four years, lasting through 2016. Casdorph also used firm monies to renovate his home.  Finally, Casdorph forged the name of a law firm member on three checks and gave the checks to local vendors.  The total financial loss to the law firm and real estate company was at least $134, 755.44.  Casdorph is no longer employed by the law firm/land company.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. 

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