Man pleads guilty to theft from Postal Service

A trucking company supervisor pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing more than $300,000 from the U.S. Postal Service by improperly using government-issued fuel cards, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said.

Rufus Ward, who worked at two trucking companies in Ocean Township, N.J., that contracted with the Postal Service to haul mail, admitted purchasing fuel and cigarettes for personal use between 2005 and 2009. The Postal Service had issued the cards to the companies for drivers to buy gas for business travel.

Ward also allowed another employee, Vincenzo Bender, to use the cards after Bender told Ward he had discovered the scheme. On March 11, Bender pleaded guilty to theft charges. His sentencing is set for July 8.

Ward, 67, faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Ward agreed to pay restitution of a little more than $365,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 13. - Darran Simon