U.S. Attorney for Kansas
TOPEKA – A former Kansas postmaster pleaded guilty to falsifying money orders in order to embezzle from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
According to court documents, Sierra Werth, 32, of Quinter pleaded guilty to one count of misappropriation of postal funds.
In January 2025, the U.S. Postal Service determined the post office in Quinter had a significant shortfall.
The deficit was in missing deposits, deposit short in cash, errors on bank deposits, and money orders issued and voided on the same day but negotiated after being voided.
An investigation revealed Werth issued and voided at least 10 money orders on the same day. She issued seven money orders under her employee ID and included her name and address in the remitter section. There were three money orders issued under a different postal employee’s ID, but they had her name and address in the remitter section.
Also, the name of someone associated with Werth was in the “pay to” section of the all the money orders. The records show the money orders were issued, voided, and cashed without USPS receiving payment, and that Werth had engaged in this activity since approximately October 2024. Law enforcement found an additional invoice the Werth created.
As part of her plea agreement, Werth must pay approximately $26,700 in restitution.
“As postmaster, it was Ms. Werth’s role to display good leadership qualities like sound judgment and moral character to the rest of the staff, but instead she abused her authority for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
“This guilty plea represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working alongside our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges in this mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office.
“The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees and those external subjects who collude with them.”
The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting the case.