MAJOR THEFT SCHEME UNCOVERED AT UPS

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 4 month long investigation by the Bronx DA Detective Investigators and United Parcel Service UPS, has uncovered an alleged scheme by a few employees to divert merchandise from its intended destination.

A Grand Jury has indicted Tony McGee, 27, of 3080 Park Avenue, Bronx, on charges of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th degree. If convicted, McGee faces a term of up to 4 years imprisonment. McGee will be arraigned in Bronx Supreme Court on June 19, 2002 in Part B. It is alleged that McGee, a UPS employee, acted together with two co-workers and the girlfriend of a co-worker, to re-route merchandise such as computers, cell phones, watches and Sony play stations, to various friends and family members. It is alleged that at the time of his arrest, McGee was found to have $2,860 worth of stolen merchandise in his possession.

Co-defendants Anthony Fearon, 32, of 1954 Chatterton Avenue, Bronx, and Eric Kofele, 25, of 3114 Tieman Avenue, Bronx, UPS employees, each pled guilty to 1 count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree before Bronx Criminal Court Judge Michael R. Sonberg. Under the terms of the plea agreement, when sentenced in Criminal Court, on Friday, June 21, 2002, in Part F, Fearon, who had $1,500 worth of merchandise in his possession, will be sentenced to a conditional discharge. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kofele, will be sentenced to a term of 5 years probation when he appears for sentencing in Criminal Court on Tuesday, July 2, 2002, in Part F. Kofele had $21,081 worth of stolen merchandise in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The case against Co-defendant Ann Denton, 27, of 547 East 168th Street, is pending grand jury action. She is charged with of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree. If convicted, Denton could face a term of up to 7 years imprisonment. Denton, who is alleged to have possessed over $20,000 in stolen merchandise, is scheduled to appear in Supreme Court on June 27, 2002 in Part B.

Mr. Johnson thanked UPS investigators, and Senior Detective Investigator Peter Moro, of the Bronx District Attorney’s detective squad, for their assistance in developing this case.

Assistant District Attorney Daniel R. Wanderman will be prosecuting these cases.