NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN PHILLIP COLER, JR. (“COLER”), age 35, pled guilty on August 7, 2024 to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711. COLER was sentenced on November 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
According to court records, COLER, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), beginning in July 2021 and continuing until November 2021, did knowingly and willfully use money and property, totaling $62,033, belonging to the USPS.
COLER was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, mandatory restitution in the amount of $62,033 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.