Avondale Ex-Patient Johnson Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud Scheme

NEW ORLEANS – Former Avondale, Louisiana resident Penny Johnson, 52, who now resides in Mississippi, has admitted to participating in a brazen work-at-home re-shipping scam that funneled stolen eBay items through her address. On August 19, 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance for the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

The con artist, as detailed in the charging document, was part of a fraudulent network where internet scammers directed purchases from online marketplaces like eBay to her residence. Johnson’s role involved inspecting packages and re-shipping them back to the criminals behind the scheme. Despite being warned by United States Postal inspectors that she was facilitating fraud against eBay customers, Johnson persisted, even going so far as to provide false statements when questioned.

The stolen mail included high-value items such as a paintball gun, a drone, two Dyson vacuum cleaners, women’s shoes, two Apple Air Mac books, and a smartphone. Johnson faces a severe penalty for her actions, with up to five years in prison on the conspiracy count and fines totaling $250,000, along with up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for December 9, 2020.

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for their thorough investigation into this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is leading the prosecution against Johnson.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to commit financial fraud and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in thwarting such schemes. The public is urged to remain alert for similar scams and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.