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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced Shannel Smith, age 41, of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, was charged on August 10, 2021 in a one-count bill of information for misappropriating postal funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711.

According to court documents, beginning in October 2018 and continuing until August 2019, Smith, being an officer and employee of the United States Postal Service, did knowingly and willfully convert to her own use money and property coming into her hands and under her control in any manner, in the execution and under the color of her office, employment, and service, of a value in excess of $1,000, that is, approximately $1,205.71 in postal money orders.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and a maximum fine of $250,000, based on the charge outlined in the bill of information.

U.S. Attorney Evans stated that the bill of information is merely a charge and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”).  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.