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A Whitehall resident has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor theft charge related to his time as a U.S. Postal Service worker in Granville.
Anthony Huntington, a former employee at one of the post office branches in Granville, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 4, in U.S. District Court in Albany to the charge of stealing more than $3,500 while employed there.
Huntington originally was indicted on a felony theft charge in August of this year. According to federal court records, Huntington rang up more than 180 false “service not rendered” refunds through the office computer system over a 13-month period. The charges, which Huntington kept for himself, were in the amount of $25 or less in each case. The thefts totaled $3,500.07, and occurred between Feb. 4, 2009, and March 3, 2010.
Court documents did not reveal what led to the discovery or disclosure of the thefts.
After the indictment, Huntington agreed to a plea deal that led to the guilty plea to the misdemeanor theft charge, with an understanding that the felony charge he was originally indicted for would be dropped.
Huntington faces up to a year in jail and a $100,000 fine when he is expected to be sentenced in court next year on Jan. 14.
“This was a felony that was reduced to a misdemeanor charge,” said attorney Tucker Stanclift, who is Huntington’s legal representation. “The plea bargain will likely spare him a jail term but ultimately, that will be up to the judge.”
Stanclift also said his client had provided restitution for the money that was taken.
“Restitution has been made and he has paid back the money,” said Stanclift. “He thought it would be in his best interest to accept responsibility and make restitution.”
Other than the basics of the case, Stanclift said he could not discuss anything further.
Calls to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Service by the Granville Sentinel and Whitehall Times were not returned by the time of publication.
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