A former U.S. Postal Service employee who stole almost $40,000 in postal money orders has been sentenced to 5 years of probation, according to John Durham, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Keith Sanford, 33, of Litchfield, Connecticut, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa Bryant on September 9, 2020. He was also ordered to pay full restitution.
Sanford began working for the Postal Service in July of 2017. He started out as a Postal Support Employee, earning $16 an hour, then became a Part-Time Flex worker. Sanford rotated between the Granby, West Granby, and East Hartland Post Offices.
In December 2018, an area accounting manager discovered that funds were missing from those locations. An investigation revealed that Sanford had issued 139 money orders totaling $39,937.02 to himself and others between April and December 2018 without paying for them.
On December 18, 2018, two special agents from the USPS Office of Inspector General confronted Sanford at work. He admitted to the conduct and tendered his resignation. Sanford also admitted that he had asked two people he used drugs with to cash money orders for him.
A grand jury issued an indictment on July 24, 2019.
Sanford pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property on June 2, 2020.
The defense’s sentencing submission
Sanford’s attorney, Tracy Hayes, described her client’s upbringing, military service, and substance use history.
Sanford’s father was a truck driver who was often away from home, so he was mostly raised by his mother. His parents were social drinkers, but much of his extended family were alcoholics. Sanford’s brother has a criminal record and has struggled with substance abuse.
According to Hayes, Sanford “started to act out” after losing his grandfather and maternal uncle during high school. He graduated at the bottom of his class.
Sanford joined the Army after high school and served in Iraq from 2007 to 2009. His unit experienced numerous losses, and he saw a number of his friends get killed.
Hayes said that Sanford sustained a concussion when his Hummer struck a roadside bomb. He was not treated immediately, and was later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.
Sanford was exposed to several other blasts during his time in Iraq. He experienced headaches, irritability, and memory problems as a result of his injuries.
In July 2010, Sanford was honorably discharged with multiple medals and awards.
A history of substance abuse
Sanford started drinking during basic training at Fort Hood. He became addicted to Percocet during his deployment in Iraq. After returning home, Sanford started to use OxyContin, then switched to snorting heroin, and eventually shooting heroin.
He received substance abuse treatment and stayed sober for four years before relapsing.
Sanford has received treatment since his arrest.
“I deeply regret my crime. I cannot believe that I let a substance control me so much. I want to make my life better and pay back what I owe.”
-Keith Sanford
Hayes noted that there is a tradition of according leniency to veterans in recognition of their service, and that Sanford served honorably. She requested a sentence of probation.
The government’s sentencing submission
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez said that theft of government property is a serious offense. She explained that the postal service is built on trust, and that Sanford’s actions undermined that trust.
Gonzalez said that Sanford’s story is especially devastating because his addiction began while he was courageously serving his country. She acknowledged that his crimes were fueled by his addiction, and that he used the money to buy heroin.
Gonzalez said that a sentence of probation and an order of restitution is fair and appropriate.