Meriden — Police have cited a Meriden Post Office employee into court on accusations that she opened residents’ mail and stole gift cards and cash this fall before resealing the envelopes and sending them on their way.

Kim Smith, of Hartland, faces four charges in connection with the November incident, including a felony count of theft by unauthorized taking, according to documents provided to the Valley News by Plainfield police Chief Paul Roberts. The charge alleges Smith stole 17 gift cards totaling $920, as well as $200 in cash from mail addressed to residents.

Smith, 50, also faces three misdemeanor charges, including receiving stolen property, abuse of office and carrying a loaded handgun without a license. Shortly after the postal service launched an investigation, police searched Smith’s vehicle and found a loaded .380 pistol concealed in the door, according to an arrest warrant affidavit by Roberts. Read more