Former postal employee pleads guilty to theft of public money

HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Houston resident has admitted to four counts of theft of public money, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Tranese Nicole Mitchel was formerly employed as a lead sales and service clerk with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Houston. Today, she admitted she issued fraudulent refunds by creating no-fee postal money orders She then cashed against her drawer at the post office where she worked.

Mitchell fraudulently issued and cashed a total of $29,947.30. She admitted using the money for her own benefit.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case.