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Ex-mail worker admits theft

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 31, 2009

TAMPA - A former Dade City letter carrier has admitted to stealing mail.

Lisa Lapham, who worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier associate for about five years, stole five envelopes containing Wal-Mart gift cards, which she used to make purchases at the discount retailer, according to a plea agreement Lapham signed.

In one instance, Lapham paid for part of a purchase with a stolen gift card and the rest with her own credit card.

After a supervisor found an opened envelope in her locker, the postal inspector general sent two cards worth a total of $300 to a vacant address on Lapham's route. Eight days later, Lapham used the cards to make a purchase, again using her credit card to supplement the payment. That purchase was captured on video, according to Lapham's plea agreement.

The offenses happened between November and March 5.
Lapham agreed to plead guilty to opening the mail without authority, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of a year in prison.

Other letter carriers who have pleaded guilty to similar charges have received probation, although some who have engaged in large-scale theft or destruction of mail have received prison sentences.

Elaine Silvestrini

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