Post Office Thief Prather Admits Mail Embezzlement

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Leanda Joanne Prather, 37, of Canadian, Oklahoma, has admitted to pilfering packages entrusted to her care while employed by the United States Postal Service. Prather pled guilty to EMBEZZLEMENT OF MAIL BY POSTAL EMPLOYEE, a federal offense carrying a potential five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

According to court documents, Prather’s scheme unfolded between August 2, 2016, and December 20, 2016, at the Eufaula Post Office, located at 131 W. Foley, Eufaula, Oklahoma. The indictment alleges Prather, as a USPS employee, “willfully, knowingly and unlawfully embezzle[ed] packages” that were in her possession for delivery. Instead of ensuring the packages reached their intended recipients, she stole them.

The sticky fingers of a postal worker are a betrayal of public trust, and this case highlights a vulnerability in the system. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General initiated the investigation that ultimately led to Prather’s downfall. Details of the stolen packages and their value remain sealed, but sources indicate the investigation involved numerous complaints from residents in the Eufaula area.

Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West accepted Prather’s guilty plea in Muskogee. A presentence investigation report has been ordered to gather information about Prather’s background and the full extent of her criminal activity. She is currently released pending sentencing, meaning she remains free until a judge determines her punishment.

Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, including details of Prather’s sentencing. Postal workers are entrusted with our mail, our bills, and often, cherished gifts – Prather’s actions were a blatant abuse of that trust.

The Eastern District of Oklahoma has seen a rise in white-collar crime in recent years, and federal prosecutors are increasingly focused on holding those who exploit their positions for personal gain accountable. Prather now faces the consequences of her choices, and her case serves as a warning to anyone tempted to abuse their position within the postal system.