A recent federal indictment alleges that a former employee of the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) stole cash and gift cards from the mail over a ten-month period. The indictment, filed on December 7, 2010, charges Christina M. Steiner, age 35, of Forest Lake, with one count of theft of mail by a postal employee. The indictment was unsealed earlier today, following Steiner’s initial appearance in federal court in the District of Minnesota.

Steiner purportedly stole between $600 and $800 in cash and gift cards from the mail entrusted to her as an employee of the Forest Lake Post Office. According to the indictment, the thefts occurred between December of 2009 and September 18, 2010. Steiner no longer works for the U.S. Postal Service.

If convicted, Steiner faces a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the USPS-Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino.

source: US Attorney’s Office District Of Minnesota