U.S. Postal Service Employee Charged with Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicholas Pecko, age 33, of Vandling, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and theft of mail.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Pecko, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, stole two checks totaling $6,581.59 that were sent through the mail, intended to be delivered by the United States Postal Office. The indictment further alleges that Pecko executed a bank fraud scheme, whereby he presented the checks for deposit after they had been altered to falsely identify him as the intended payee.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 35 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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