October 23, 2009

ATLANTA, GA -� ANNA K. WRIGHT, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested on charges of making false statements to a federal agent and distributing marijuana. WRIGHT made an initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge E. Clayton Scofield, III.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Not only did this defendant abuse her position as a UPS Store manager by stealing a package, she then distributed marijuana found in the package and lied to the federal agents.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is responsible for keeping the U.S. mail safe from all illegal contraband. We often rely on the public for information during our investigations. It’s a betrayal of trust when they lie to Postal Inspectors. This is unacceptable,” said Martin D. Phanco, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division.

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: As part of a previous inquiry by law enforcement, WRIGHT agreed to contact the United States Postal Inspectors if a certain mail box in her store received a package, as it may contain contraband.� Rather than calling the Postal Inspectors when the mail box received a package, WRIGHT stole the parcel, which contained several pounds of marijuana, and sold most of the drugs for profit. Then, during the investigation of the stolen marijuana parcel, WRIGHT provided federal agents with false statements.

Each of the charges carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.� In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that a criminal complaint only contains charges.� The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.com.

This case is being investigated by Inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey W. Davis is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact Sally Q. Yates, Acting United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at (404) 581-6016.� The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.