Houma Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Theft of Mail

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ELVIRA DUTHU DUPLANTIS, age 51, of Houma, pled guilty today for theft of mail.

According to court records, 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 (“Postal OIG”) 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. 

DUPLANTIS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for August 24, 2016.

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