Matthew Dundas, a 26-year-old man from Petersburg, was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to participating in a money order fraud scheme while working for the United States Postal Service, according to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. Dundas issued 105 money orders to himself, resulting in losses of nearly $77,000 to the government. He was sentenced to two years of probation, 80 hours of community service, and a $4,000 fine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported.
The theft occurred between January 2023 and September 2024. Dundas repaid the stolen amount before entering his guilty plea. Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated that theft by government employees is taken seriously and that his office is committed to addressing cases of fraud and self-dealing in government.
The USPS Office of Inspector General, which investigated the fraudulent activity, emphasized its commitment to maintaining integrity within the postal system. Special Agent in Charge Matthew M. Modafferi highlighted the dedication of Postal Service employees and stated that when employees engage in criminal acts, OIG agents work to hold them accountable.
The case was investigated by the USPS Office of Inspector General, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping led the prosecution. The proceedings reinforced the consequences for Postal Service employees who misuse their positions for criminal activity. Modafferi’s statement also expressed appreciation for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its work on the case.
