SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that the former postmaster for the Republic, Mo., Post Office was sentenced in federal court today for misappropriating postal funds.
Donna Rippee, 64, of Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard E. Dorr to three years probation. The court also ordered Rippee to pay $14,374.70 in restitution.
On February 1, 2010, Rippee pleaded guilty to misappropriating postal funds.
Rippee admitted that, between Jan. 1, 2002, and Feb. 7, 2008, she converted postal funds to her own use. Rippee admitted that she withdrew $2,000 from the postal account held at the U.S. Post Office and purchased two $1,000 money orders made payable to herself in an effort to cover up an approximately $40,000 shortfall in another postal account under her control.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
source: Office Of US Attorney, Western District Of Missouri
What about the $40,000 ????? Doesn’t she have to pay that back? Seems she got off pretty easy with just probation and paying $14,000. What a deal!
Tougher penalties would dramatically reduce the theft. ( maybe ) At least it might deter some knowing they would have to serve the maximum prison sentence and a hefty fine.
It’s time to get serious about these criminals.