One of three U.S. postal workers accused of stealing gifts intended for underprivileged children by rigging the "Operation Santa" program where they worked has pleaded guilty.
Court papers show that Mahogany Strickland, of Manhattan, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. She faces up to 30 days in jail.
Prosecutors dropped federal charges of conspiracy, receipt of stolen mail and mail fraud.
Authorities said Strickland and two others worked at "Operation Santa Headquarters" in the James A. Farley Post Office on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, which served as part of the inspiration for "The Miracle on 34th Street."
Authorities said they wrote fake letters to fraudulently obtain electronics, clothing and other items otherwise destined for underprivileged children between November 2013 and January 2014.
Strickland told authorities during an interview that her adult family members wrote multiple letters, resulting in her family receiving about two of each requested gift, including a tablet computer, a laptop, headphones, clothing and boots.
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It's not clear if the alleged ringleader, Terry Jackson, or the third co-conspirator, Nickyeves Saintalbord, have faced trial in the case.
