Irvin Bates, Theft of Government Funds, New York 2016

A brazen theft has come to an end for a Buffalo man who stole over $3,700 in government funds. Irvin Bates, 64, of Buffalo, NY, was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $3760.00 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

According to U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Bates, a temporary employee at Ashton Potter printing company located in Williamsville, NY, stole a pad of stamps from the facility during his lunch break on July 22, 2016. The company is contracted by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to print and manufacture postage stamps and related specialty products.

The stolen stamps were valued at $3760.00 and were concealed in Bates’ clothes. He removed them from the facility at the conclusion of his shift.

The investigation into the theft was led by the United States Postal Service Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski.

Bates was charged with theft of government funds, a crime that carries significant penalties. The sentencing is a reminder that stealing from the government will not be tolerated.

The case is a result of the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Postal Service to protect its funds and prevent theft.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maura K. O’Donnell handled the case. The sentencing is a significant blow to those who would seek to steal from the government.

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