Parkersburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud -- February 4, 2003

A Parkersburg woman is facing a prison term and a hefty fine after pleading guilty Tuesday to mail fraud charges.

Federal investigators say 46 year-old Leona West embezzled more than $300,000 while working for the West Virginia Department of Health of Human Resources.

Authorities say West caused more than 400 benefit checks to be printed and mailed to various post office boxes opened in her name. The scheme was uncovered when a welfare recipient was told that her benefits had run out.

Sentencing is set for April 18, at which time West could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.