TOPEKA, KAN. – 4/28/26 – A former employee at a Kansas post office pleaded guilty to illegally taking mail that was supposed to be delivered to customers.

According to court documents, Gayli Harman, 44, of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of mail.

Harman worked for the U. S. Postal Service in Westmore in the Sales, Service, and Distribution department. Between June 2021 and March 2023, Harman opened mail that wasn’t addressed to her and removed items from some of the packages. She also hid mail causing it not to be delivered. Investigators found 16 pieces of mail hidden throughout the Westmore Post Office. Harman also issued herself a post office box without paying.

The estimated loss value to customers is approximately $530.00.

“Even with the heavy usage of email, Americans still depend on the mail system numerous ways in their daily lives. Although the total dollar amount here might not be overwhelming, the damaged trust in our mail system cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We encourage customers to report when their packages don’t arrive or items are missing, because the follow up investigations can help to root out bad actors for prosecution.”

The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.