Former U.S. Postal Service employee accused of embezzling thousands in USPS funds

A Columbia man is accused of embezzling thousands in USPS funds.

According to the probable cause statement, a postmaster had received information that a locker was open in the employee locker room and inside there was approximately 40 unprocessed passport envelopes.

The postmaster said he interviewed each clerk and had them identify their lockers. Barry Lewis identified one locker that had his clothes and the another locker with the unprocessed passports.

Officials said they counted and verified 49 unprocessed envelopes with a lot containing multiple passport applications.

Lewis admitted to embezzling $13,024 in USPS funds for his personal use. Lewis said he held USPS customer’s payments to the Department of State for passports and created a type of kiting scheme.

According to the probable cause statement, Lewis resigned May 10.

Stealing charges have been requested for Lewis out of Boone County.