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Tailor Charged with Stealing $250,000 from Government
- Key Facts

Tailor Charged with Stealing $250,000 from Government

RALEIGH – Deborah Carr Battle, a Goldsboro tailor, has been indicted on three counts of theft, obstruction, and falsification in connection with a government contract. The indictment alleges that Battle, who owns and operates Lydia’s Alterations near the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, made dozens of unauthorized charges using two different government purchase cards over the course of two years.

The charges, which total over $250,000, were made in increments of $2,999.99 or less, according to the indictment. If convicted, Battle faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count and a sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment on the first count, 5 years on the second count, and 20 years on the third count.

The investigation, conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, discovered that Battle had been working as a vendor for the United States Air Force 4th Mission Support Group, undertaking sewing and tailoring work on the uniforms of airmen who were to be deployed overseas in connection with Operation Enduring Freedom.

Battle’s store, Lydia’s Alterations, has been a long-time vendor for the Air Force, providing services to airmen and their families. However, the indictment alleges that Battle abused her position and used the government purchase cards for unauthorized purposes.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and Battle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The indictment was unsealed on [date] and Battle is expected to appear in court on [date]. The government has attached the indictment to the press release for review.

The full indictment can be found at [link to attachment] (438.62 KB).