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August 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former Cowen Postmaster Entered
Guilty Plea to Embezzlement

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA — A 50 year old Cowen, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty today (August 10, 2010) in United States District Court in Elkins before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull.

United States Attorney Betsy C. Jividen announced that SHERRI LYNN HINES entered a plea of guilty to an Information charging her with embezzling $19,694.55 from the Cowen Post Office while employed as the Postmaster from July 2009 to November 16, 2009. HINES, who is currently free on bond pending sentencing, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

As part of her plea, HINES made full restitution today.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Warner. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.