Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty To Obstruction Of The Mails

CONTACT:     Barbara Burns
PHONE:        (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jennifer Paonessa, 33, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., to obstruction of the mails. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, a former employee of the United States Postal Service, delayed or failed to deliver mail matter entrusted to her for delivery. The defendant took at least 15 Victoria Secret coupons and used them for her own benefit.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Monica Weyler.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Schroeder.