USPS worker accused of forging doctor's note

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- A United States Postal Service employee has been charged with counterfeiting for allegedly forging a doctor's note excusing her from work for a week, according to court records.

On July 31, a local USPS plant manager contacted the USPS Office of Inspector General requesting confirmation of a doctor's note submitted by employee Crystal Pugh.

The Special Agent assigned to investigate the note contacted Med Point in Granger and faxed a copy of the letter submitted by Pugh.

A nurse at Med Point told the investigator the document was not issued or generated by anyone at their office, according to the probable cause affidavit.

On August 19, the special agent spoke with Pugh at her residence. After she was told Med Point denied issuing the letter, Pugh admitted she made the document on her computer because she needed something to submit to the USPS for her time off, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Pugh acknowledged the information in the document was not factual, reports said.

On August 29, St. Joseph County Police attempted to serve a warrant for one count of counterfeiting for Pugh.

Officers went to her home on South Meade Street and spoke with Joseph Adam Dabney, who answered the door.

Dabney told police Pugh wasn't at the home, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Dabney told police Pugh went to the jail to turn herself in and repeatedly stated she was not there, reports said.

When officers gained entry to the home, Pugh was found in the basement, inside a cabinet, according to the probable cause affidavit.

There were several items placed in front of the cabinet after Pugh got inside, police said.

Dabney was also taken into custody for allegedly hindering the apprehension of Pugh. He has been charged with one count of assisting a criminal.