19 cent stamp Government Contractor Admits Fraud

Government Contractors admit to fraud, Charlene Corely a plumbing hardware supply company owner and her sister Darlene Wooten!, faces nearly 21 years in prison. Charlene pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. A million dollar bill for a 19 cent lock washer shipment had flagged the sisters.

Facing almost 3/4 of a million in fines. During early 1997 to late 2006, the sisters used a shipping payment system designed to speed shipments intended for U.S. forces overseas by creating huge bills to ship small items, lawyers indicated. Most impressive was the cost of the actual shipping which was said to be no more than the average cost of a stamp which fits the profile for the most popular of the fraud.

At this time the defense department is investigating others cases where they believe shipping fraud might be involved.