A Loranger, Louisiana woman who exploited her position as a Postal Highway Contract Route contractor to commit bank fraud and theft has been given a sentence of five years probation. Rachel Watts Sanders, 39, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail theft, and the court documents reveal a total loss of $22,717.66 due to over forty stolen checks which she deposited into her own bank account, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Working out of Franklinton, Sanders methodically intercepted checks from the mail, fraudulently endorsed them, and managed to seamlessly funnel the funds into her personal finances. The case, which was brought to light by the diligent efforts of the United States Postal Service's Office of Inspector General, shows how a breach of trust can result in significant losses for unsuspecting victims. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office announcement, the sentencing took place on August 28, and the court will decide on restitution at a later date.
Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero, of the General Crimes Unit, lead the prosecution of this case. The United States Attorney's Office highlighted that Sanders' actions were not only criminal but represented a profound betrayal of the responsibilities entrusted to her. "SANDERS previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and mail theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708," stated the DOJ release.
