A former postal worker from Wisconsin learned her fate in federal court last week after being caught red-handed dipping into the very envelopes she was paid to deliver.
Ashley Straub, 25, Onalaska, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anita M. Boor on Thursday, where she was handed a sentence of one year of probation and a $500 fine for opening and destroying mail.
The legal trouble for Straub dates back to February 2025, during her tenure as a carrier at the La Crosse Post Office. According to federal prosecutors, Straub’s route became a personal shopping trip as she tampered with numerous pieces of mail. Investigators found she made off with $350 in cash and several gift cards, leaving a trail of empty envelopes and frustrated residents in her wake.
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During the sentencing, Judge Boor emphasized that when a mail carrier decides to steal, it does more than just hurt someone’s wallet—it actively eats away at the public’s trust in the United States Postal Service. People expect their sensitive documents and gifts to arrive safely, and Boor noted that this breach of duty is a serious blow to the community.
However, the judge also had to weigh the severity of the theft against Straub’s past. Ultimately, Straub’s clean criminal record played a role in the decision to grant probation rather than jail time.
Along with the fine and supervision, Straub has been ordered to pay restitution to the victims she targeted, ensuring that the stolen money finds its way back to its rightful owners.
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The investigation that brought the case to light was a joint effort between the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the La Crosse Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Samuel and Megan Stelljes.
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