Houma Postal Worker Indicted for Theft of Mail

U.S. Attorney Polite announced that ELVIRA DUTHU DUPLANTIS, age 50, of Houma, was indicted today for Theft of Mail.

According to the Indictment, as a result of a complaint from the Postmaster of the Houma Post Office regarding missing mail, the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General initiated an investigation into DUPLANTIS, who was a letter carrier assigned to the Houma Post Office.  The investigation determined that DUPLANTIS stole approximately 113 gift cards, which included Visa debit cards and gift cards for major retail stores and restaurants, with a total value of over $3,200.

If convicted, DUPLANTIS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Max Eamiguel, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Southern Area Field Office, stated, “Postal employees take great pride in their work for the American public.  This type of criminal behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the careful efforts of the thousands of professional, dedicated employees in our workforce.  We will continue to vigorously pursue those individuals who violate the public’s trust.”

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.