Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brenda Moore, age 48, of East Cleveland, Ohio, with theft of mail by a postal employee and unauthorized opening of mail by a postal employee.

The indictment charges that on June 24, 2010, Brenda Moore, a clerk assigned to the Station B/C, Cleveland, Ohio, stole $500.00 which had come into her possession to be conveyed by mail and that on January 26, 2010, stole $2,000.00 which had come into her possession to be conveyed by mail. The indictment also charges that on January 26, 2010, and June 24, 2010, Brenda Moore, without authorization, opened mail not directed to her.

The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Sassé after investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

September 16, 2010