ERIE — A resident of Allegany, N.Y., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail by postal employee, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced Monday.

Bryant Richard, 30, 4115 S. Nine Mile Road, #125, Allegany, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from approximately October 2018 to November 2018, Richard, who was a postal employee, stole 18 items of mail which had been submitted to the Postal Service for delivery.

Cercone scheduled sentencing for 12:45 p.m. Oct. 7. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Richard on bond.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richard.