BECKLEY, W.Va. – Malcolm L. Howell, 49, of Athens, Mercer County, West Virginia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger to five months in prison followed by five months home confinement for misappropriation of federal funds. Howell previously pled guilty in September 2009, admitting that over a period of four years he stole over $36,000 in postal funds while serving as the Postmaster in Peterstown, West Virginia. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Howell was ordered to pay restitution to the United States Postal Service.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File handled the prosecution.