Former Postmaster Pleads Guilty To Stealing Postal Funds

MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday in federal court, the former postmaster of the Marble Post Office in Itasca County pleaded guilty to stealing funds from the office. On August 20, 2013, Jill Marie Rousse, age 39, of Calumet, pleaded guilty to one count of misappropriation of postal funds. Rousse, who was indicted on June 10, 2013, entered her plea before United States District Judge Ann D. Montgomery.

In her plea agreement, Rousse admitted that between August 2011 and October 2012, she stole money from the post office by either taking cash from the cash drawer or issuing money orders in her own name. Rousse also admittedly falsified reports regarding the sale of money orders and postage in order to conceal her theft. An audit of the post office identified shortages totaling $9,031.43 in cash and stamps.

For her crime, Rousse faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Judge Montgomery will determine her sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lola Velazquez-Aguilu.