United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pukwana, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Mail by Postal Service Employee.
Kayla Ottmo, age 35, was indicted on July 9, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 3, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about between September 2018 and November 2, 2018, Ottmo, being an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, embezzled gift cards and other items of value that had been placed in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service, and that were indented to be conveyed by mail and delivered by a carrier.
The charge is merely an accusation and Ottmo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Ottmo was released on bond/remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.