United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW HAVEN WOMAN ADMITS ROLE IN STOLEN CHECK RING

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HEATHER T. LITTLE, 38, of North Sheffield Street, Hamden, waived indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to one count of possession of stolen mail.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, in August 2005, LITTLE, while employed at Columbus House in New Haven, stole numerous checks delivered by U.S. Mail to Columbus House to be distributed to various addressees who resided at the facility.  These checks were payable to various individuals for certain federal benefits including Social Security Insurance, unemployment insurance, and tax refunds.  LITTLE provided the checks to Marie D. Smith who then altered the checks and had associates cash the checks so together they could share the proceeds.

Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2008, at which time LITTLE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

On December 20, 2007, Marie D. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of altering stolen checks.  She awaits sentencing.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov