Indiana County Woman Charged With Stealing Postal Service Money Orders, Stamps And Cash

PITTSBURGH - An Indiana County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jo E. Sandoval, 54, of Ernest, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from Sept. 30, 2011 and continuing until Feb. 16, 2012, Sandoval embezzled and converted to her own use $2,107.15 in U.S. Postal Service money orders, stamps and cash, to which property she knew she was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Koleen Kirkwood are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.