A Cape May County man allegedly used U.S. Postal Service credit cards to buy power tools, gift cards and even groceries.
Austin Mahan, 42, of Cape May Court House, racked up about $65,000 in charges at six stores, including more than $23,000 in gift cards, according to the complaint.
He worked at various times as supervisor in post offices in Somers Point and Sea Isle, and had cards issued from each.
Mahan is charged with misappropriating funds. He was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court Tuesday.
The complaint details some of the purchases that were all made in less than six months.
A Dyson cordless vacuum was purchased Dec. 21 for $479.80, and sent to Mahan's Cape May Court House address, the complaint said.
Fog lights purchased for about $100 are the same ones that fit the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Mahan owns, the complaint said.
In just two days in January, Mahan spent at $11,161.98 two home-improvement stores and an office supply, the records allegedly show. The money was spent over 44 transactions made both in-person and online.
He even used the cards when he was not working, the investigation found.
Over eight days off, including two federal holidays, Mahan allegedly spent $9,327.50.
The transactions totaled 69 on the Sea Isle account and 172 on the one issued from Somers Point.
Mahan has worked for the U.S. Postal Service since July 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The charge against him carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited agents of the USPS, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to the complaint.
