A former postal worker who stole methamphetamine from a package pleaded guilty this week, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Turner Connolly, 25, of Charleston, entered his guilty plea to theft of mail by a postal employee.

Connolly was a mail processing clerk who was employed at the South Charleston Post Office. Through his work experience, Connolly was able to identify packages that were intended for the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory. On November 4, 2016, he stole a package from the Marshall County Drug Task Force that was to be delivered to the laboratory. This package contained approximately 1.69 grams of methamphetamine. Connolly gave a statement to federal officers in which he admitted stealing the package, and he is no longer an employee of the United States Postal Service.

Connolly faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2018.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.