BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A former postal employee in Rugby accused of stealing money and gift cards from the mail has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The deal calls for Tomi Kiele to plead guilty to misappropriation of postal funds, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. In return for the plea, a charge of theft of mail by a postal employee will be dropped.
Authorities say customers contacted the Rugby Post Office about missing mail between August and November of last year. Kiele allegedly hit mail under her shirt, in a bag, in a garbage can and among postal mailing supplies. Authorities believe she took home $20 to $30 per day.
The plea agreement asks Kiele to pay back nearly $2,400.