AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker is facing additional accusations as part of an ongoing investigation.
A release from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio said the man faces serious federal charges stemming from an alleged scheme to steer lucrative USPS contracts to specific companies in exchange for bribes.
In an indictment filed on Wednesday, a federal grand jury charged 60-year-old Josef Ratcliff, of Akron, with the following:
- Conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud
- Conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right
- Honest services mail and wire fraud
- Extortion under color of official right
- Receipt of bribes by federal official
- Concealment money laundering
Prosecutors allege he used his position reviewing contractor bids for mail logistics services, some worth over $10 million, to provide confidential bid information to co-conspirators across the country…