Tampa, Florida – In a shocking case of corruption, Stacy Darnell Mitchell (48, Tampa) has been found guilty of theft of government property and theft of mail.
Mitchell, a postal employee, worked for over 15 years at the Processing and Distribution Center (PDC) in St. Petersburg, which processes mail for all of Pinellas County.
From January to October 2012, Mitchell stole Social Security benefit checks totaling over $2 million from the PDC. More than 3,000 checks were taken from the facility, all of which were destined for disabled or retired beneficiaries living in Pinellas County.
Mitchell sold the stolen checks to an accomplice in Tampa, who in turn sold them to a network of individuals to be cashed at various convenience stores and check cashing businesses in Florida and elsewhere.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector the General, the United States Department of Treasury – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as various local enforcement agencies.
The jury found Mitchell guilty of theft of government property and theft of mail, charges that carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
Mitchell was indicted on March 1, 2016. Four of Mitchell’s accomplices have been convicted of federal charges related to the same theft scheme.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
In a statement, the prosecutors said, ‘This case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need to protect the public trust.’
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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