By: Richard L. Smith
A NJ man admitted Monday to misappropriating postal funds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
According to federal officials, Austin T. Mahan, 44, of Cape May Court House, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to charges of misappropriating over $1,000 in postal funds.
According to court documents and statements, Mahan, who worked as a United States Postal Service (USPS) supervisor at the Sea Isle and Somers Point Post Offices at various times, misused USPS credit cards for personal purchases over approximately six months in 2022 and 2023.
These purchases included thousands of dollars worth of gift cards, home décor items, home renovation materials, power and handheld tools, tool storage equipment, and other personal items, totaling $54,356 in unauthorized expenses.
The charge Mahan pleaded guilty to carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000, or a sum equal to the value of the misappropriated money or property. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, led by Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, for their investigation leading to the complaint.
