A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier has admitted to stealing rebates from mail intended for residents in north-central Missouri. Dawn Dowling, 59, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of embezzlement of mail by a Postal Service employee.
Dowling confessed that between July 2023 and August 2023, she took rebates issued by the home improvement store Menards from the mail. As a rural carrier associate, she was assigned to routes in central Missouri, covering areas such as Moberly, Huntsville, Cairo, Higbee, Jacksonville, and Excello.
In total, Dowling misappropriated at least $1,131 in rebates from over 20 customers. She then used or facilitated their use at Menards stores located in Missouri and Illinois.
Dowling is set to be sentenced on March 4, 2025. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is handling the prosecution.
