Sequim Gazette staff

In a plea agreement entered into with the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, Kevin M. Brown, a former sales, service/distribution associate at the Sequim Post Office, has agreed to plead guilty to a charge of embezzlement of mail by postal employee.

 

The agreement stipulates that both parties to the proceeding will recommend that Brown serve seven days in jail.

 

He also may be required to make restitution to the victims in an amount to be determined by the court at the time of sentencing.

 

Brown and his attorney, Corey Endo, entered into the agreement on Oct. 5 during proceedings held before Judge Karen L. Strombon.

 

The plea agreement says Brown worked at the Sequim Post Office from Jan. 22, 2005, through March 15, 2012.

 

“Beginning at a time unknown and continuing until March 15, 2012, Brown used his position at the Sequim Post Office to gain access to, embezzle and intentionally steal numerous items from the United States mail.

 

“In particular, Brown stole gift cards, cash, collectors’ coins and other items of value.”

 

The agreement provides one example, saying on Dec. 20, 2011, a postal customer mailed two insured envelopes addressed to two different recipients in Kansas. Each contained a $200 Walmart gift card.

Brown redeemed both gift cards at a Walmart store in Poulsbo.

 

John D. Masters, an Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, said his office began its investigation after receiving a complaint from a Post Office customer concerning missing mail.

 

The complaint was made through the USPS OIG Hotline.

 

Sentencing is set for Jan. 18, 2013, before federal Judge Ronald B. Leighton.