Federal Correctional officer faces theft charges

By Deb Kelly
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE December 27, 2007 09:30 pm

— A senior correctional officer at the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex was charged Wednesday with theft after allegedly stealing more than $45,000 from a Bureau of Prisons fund.
From May 2002 through May of this year, Michael W. Ashley, 45, of Terre Haute allegedly stole $46,057 as treasurer of the U.S.P. Employees Club Inc., a not-for-profit organization that supported recreational activities for BOP staff.
Ashley allegedly wrote checks on the club’s bank account and used the club’s Sam’s Club credit-card account for personal purchases, according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Indiana.
Ashley faces a maximum possible prison sentence of five years and a maximum possible fine of $250,000, according to the release.
An initial hearing is expected to be scheduled before a magistrate judge in federal court in Terre Haute.
Ashley has been aware of the charge, according to Mary E. Bippus, assistant to the U.S. Attorney. He will not be arrested.
An effort to contact Ashley for comment at a listed telephone number was not successful.
Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.mckee@tribstar.com.