INDIANAPOLIS – Tamara R. Barnett, 39, Indianapolis, was charged late yesterday with misappropriation of postal funds, following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General.

The indictment alleges that Barnett stole postal funds by manipulating the retail sales system in a manner that resulted in cash overages that she subsequently converted to her own use.

It also alleged that Barnett stole portions of the cash intended for daily bank deposits. The total value of the theft alleged is nearly $14,000.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Brant Cook, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Barnett faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An initial
hearing will be scheduled before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.