Rock Island, Ill. – Trial has been scheduled on June 18, 2012, for a former employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Edward C. Johnson, 62, of Rock Island, Ill., made his initial appearance and was arraigned in federal court this afternoon on charges that he embezzled more than $160,000 in postal funds for his personal use.

Johnson, of the 2800 block of 25th Avenue, appeared before U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow and entered his plea of not guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of misappropriation of postal funds. The government did not seek Johnson’s detention and he was released on his own recognizance.

The indictment alleges that over a three-year period, from January 2008 to Feb. 11, 2011, Johnson, who worked primarily out of the Downtown branch of the Rock Island Post Office, embezzled approximately $160,000 in stamp stock and related postal funds that were under his control as part of his employment with the U.S. Postal Service.

If convicted, each count of misappropriation of postal funds (two counts) carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. McCoy.