Former Gardiner postmaster admits stealing office bank deposits

BILLINGS - The former postmaster of the Gardiner post office admitted today to allegations that she stole office bank deposits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The defendant, Tanya Lee Holbrook, 42, of Emigrant, pleaded guilty to misappropriation of postal funds and theft of government property as charged in an indictment. Holbrook faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Holbrook was released pending further proceedings.

In court documents, the government alleged that Holbrook began working as a postmaster of the Gardiner post office in September 2022. In February 2023, the manager of postal operations in Montana contacted the U.S. Postal Services Office of Inspector General regarding concerns that Holbrook was stealing office bank deposits.

An investigation determined that Holbrook routinely issued money orders to herself and others but did not submit the funds for them to USPS. Between November 2022 and September 2023, Holbrook delayed approximately 48 bank deposits, totaling $46,755, from the Gardiner post office. While Holbrook usually sent the cash later when she was paid, she never provided funds for eight deposits, which totaled $24,443, from January 2023 to September 2023. When interviewed, Holbrook confessed to the thefts. Holbrook stated that she issued herself or family members money orders without remitting payment and then delayed sending the funds. Holbrook eventually fell so far behind that she was unable to pay for several deposits.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case. The USPS Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

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