Greensboro, N.C. — A former postal carrier has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a massive mail theft ring in Alamance and Orange counties.

Sandra Wilson, also known as Gayle Wilson, will be sentenced in March and will face a maximum prison term of five year and a $250,000 fine.

In May, investigators found thousands of pieces of mail dating to 2003 buried in Wilson's yard in Mebane. Much of the mail, which included checks and carried Social Security numbers or other private information, had been burned, they said.

Wilson delivered mail for the Hillsborough Post Office in Orange County for 10 years.

Five of her friends and relatives also were charged in the case.