Former Dubberly postmaster sentenced to two years' probation for money order fraud

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Ruston woman was sentenced to two years of probation and a $1,000 fine for cashing money orders without posting payments to the U.S. Treasury.

Amanda Murphy, 36, of Ruston, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of misappropriation of postal funds. According to evidence presented at the January 22, 2015, guilty plea, Murphy intentionally delayed reporting 37 money orders, which totaled $10,318.76 from December 13, 2013 to February 10, 2014, while serving as Postmaster for the Dubberly Post Office. When questioned by agents, Murphy admitted to cashing the money orders to herself and delaying payments. She also falsified U.S. Postal Service daily reports on money order transactions in order to accomplish the scheme. Agents also audited her cash drawer and found a $1,077.17 shortage.  Murphy has paid all restitution in full.

The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.