Denning allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices so that it seemed that the items ordered were being legitimately purchased.

Michael S. Denning, 33, began ordering extra computer equipment for a South Boston-based media technology company and intercepting the packages shortly after being hired in 2010, the office of US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a statement. Denning allegedly then sold the products online through eBay and Craigslist, Ortiz’s office said.

A Peabody man was charged in federal court Monday in connection with the theft of nearly $1 million worth of iPads and other Apple products from his South Boston employer, the office of the US attorney said.


Denning has entered into a plea agreement that involves the company, identified as Owner IQ, according to court documents.

He faces charges of mail fraud and filing a false tax return.

Prosecutors also agreed to recommend a restitution payment of at least $950,000 to Owner IQ, which is located in South Boston, the plea agreement states.

According to the US attorney’s office, Denning was originally tasked with purchasing computer equipment, software, and other technology-based products for his employees to use.

By the end of 2013, he had been promoted to director of technical and development operations.

At that time, Denning had ordered almost $1 million worth of Apple computer equipment for the company, and Ortiz’s office said only a handful of the products were legitimate purchases.

Denning’s lawyer could not be reached for comment on Monday night.

Denning also allegedly filed individual income tax returns that falsely listed his salary from Owner IQ as his only source of income, Ortiz’s office said.

The maximum sentence for mail fraud is 20 years in prison, and no greater than three years in prison for filing a false tax return.

Juan Cajigas can be reached at Juan.cajigasjimenez@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Esteban_Cajigas.