NOLA Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Gift Card Theft

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Another one bites the dust. KANESHA FLORENCE, a 28-year-old New Orleans woman, admitted in federal court on August 5, 2025, that she pilfered mail while employed by the United States Postal Service. The charge? Theft of mail by a postal employee, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. It’s a betrayal of public trust, and frankly, a pretty pathetic crime.

According to court documents, the sticky-fingered FLORENCE allegedly snatched a greeting card containing an Amazon Gift Card that came into her possession while on the job on February 6, 2023. It wasn’t a complex scheme, just straight-up theft. The feds didn’t elaborate on how she lifted the card, but it’s safe to assume it wasn’t for a charitable cause.

This isn’t some victimless crime, either. Someone was expecting that card, likely a gift from a loved one. Now, that joy has been tainted by the actions of a dishonest employee. The USPS already has enough problems without its own people lining their pockets. The United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service were the agencies who cracked this case.

FLORENCE is looking at a stiff penalty for her actions. Up to 5 years in federal prison, a hefty fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release after she gets out. Oh, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. A small price to pay for the inconvenience caused, but it’s something.

The sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. Don’t expect a light sentence. Judges are cracking down on internal fraud, especially when it involves those entrusted with handling the public’s mail.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor offenses will be pursued, and that those who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses.