How Federal Mail Fraud Charges Work in Florida
Many white collar crimes involve mail fraud, which basically refers to the use of the Postal Service to carry out any kind of fraudulent scheme or activity. For example, if you mail an application for government benefits that contains false or misleading information, that is considered mail fraud. Similarly, if you use the mail to send any documents intended to defraud another person, that is also mail fraud.
Ex-Postal Worker Convicted of Defrauding Government Disability Program
Federal prosecutors here in central Florida recently prosecuted a woman for committing mail fraud against the Postal Service itself. According to a federal indictment issued in February 2022, the defendant was a Postal Service employee. In September 2000, she filed a form with the Postal Service seeking benefits under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). FECA is essentially the federal government’s version of workers’ compensation benefits. Any Postal Service employee who is injured in the course of their employment may apply for and receive FECA benefits to cover their medical bills and certain other expenses.
The indictment said the Postal Service approved the defendant’s FECA application and started paying her benefits in 2004. But as her medical condition improved, she concealed that fact from the Postal Service. Instead, the government alleged, the defendant “did make false and fraudulent representations” on subsequent forms filed with the Postal service in order to preserve her FECA benefits. The indictment identified at least four specific occasions where she received FECA benefit checks due to her misrepresenting her condition. Altogether, the government said the defendant received “at least $500,000 in wage compensation she was not entitled to receive.”
A federal jury subsequently convicted the defendant on four counts of federal mail fraud. According to a statement from the United States Attorney’s office in Tampa, the defendant’s sentencing will take place in April 2024. The federal mail fraud statute specifies a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. But in practice, the defendant’s sentence is based on a number of factors outlined in the federal sentencing guidelines. So she will not actually be facing that long of a sentence.
Contact an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Today
It should go without saying that defrauding the government is a good way to bring the full force of the government down upon you. But even when the alleged victim is an individual or private company, mail fraud is one of the most common–and serious–federal criminal charges that a person can face in central Florida. So if you are facing arrest or indictment on such charges, you need to work with an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney who can review the government’s case against you and advise you on the best strategy for defending yourself.
Contact the Joshi Law Firm, PA, today to schedule a free consultation. Remember, you never have to speak to law enforcement, even after you are taken into custody, and you always have the right to consult with an attorney when involved in any criminal proceeding.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/jury-convicts-tampa-woman-defrauding-government-federal-benefits
