Jill Marie Rousse, Stealing Postal Funds, Minnesota 2013

Former Postmaster Pleads Guilty to Stealing Postal Funds

MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday in federal court, former postmaster Jill Marie Rousse pleaded guilty to stealing funds from the Marble Post Office in Itasca County.

On August 20, 2013, Rousse, age 39, of Calumet, pleaded guilty to one count of misappropriation of postal funds. This crime carries a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

Rousse was indicted on June 10, 2013, and entered her plea before United States District Judge Ann D. Montgomery. According to her plea agreement, Rousse admitted to stealing money from the post office between August 2011 and October 2012.

The postmaster stole cash from the cash drawer and issued money orders in her own name. She also falsified reports regarding the sale of money orders and postage to conceal her theft. An audit of the post office identified shortages totaling $9,031.43 in cash and stamps.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lola Velazquez-Aguilu and is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.

Judge Montgomery will determine Rousse's sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. The Marble Post Office in Itasca County was affected by Rousse's actions, which compromised the trust of the community it serves.

Rousse's guilty plea marks a significant step in the case, and it remains to be seen what the consequences will be for her actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public offices.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/former-postmaster-pleads-guilty-stealing-postal-funds