Seekonk Postmaster Charged with Staggering Theft of Government Funds
BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, the former Postmaster of the Seekonk Post Office, Bethany LeBlanc, has been arrested and is now facing serious allegations involving the theft of over $19,000 in government funds through no-fee money orders.
Who is Bethany LeBlanc?
Bethany LeBlanc, 48, formerly served as a dedicated employee within the United States Postal Service (USPS) and held various positions such as a carrier, window clerk, and customer service manager. She took on the role of Postmaster at the Seekonk Post Office from November 2023 until approximately February 2025.
The Allegations
According to the indictment issued by a federal grand jury, LeBlanc has been charged with one count of theft of government money. This morning, she was taken into custody and is set to appear in federal court in Boston later today.
As Postmaster, LeBlanc had the authority to issue and approve "no fee" money orders—a pivotal aspect of her position. These money orders are designed to provide a secure alternative for transactions involving USPS-related expenses, allowing customers to avoid additional fees.
However, it seems that power was misused. The charging documents allege that LeBlanc generated 25 no-fee money orders, totaling approximately $19,917, diverting these funds for her personal use.
How Was the Scheme Executed?
To cover her tracks, LeBlanc allegedly submitted false invoices for USPS expenses to clerks at the Seekonk Post Office. Under this guise, she was able to procure the money orders without raising suspicion. To make the transactions seem legitimate, she entered misleading information on the money orders.
For instance, some orders included “Fire Dept. Box” in the memo section, creating the illusion that these funds were allocated for official post office expenses. Additionally, she purportedly used the names of relatives and associates to further obscure the source of the funds. LeBlanc allegedly funneled the stolen money into personal expenditures, including lavish spending at casinos.
The Consequences
The gravity of the charge against LeBlanc could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, along with three years of supervised release and a hefty $250,000 fine. The final decision on her sentencing will rest with a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, the Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, with announcements made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the USPS Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office.
The Legal Perspective
It’s important to remember that the details contained in the charging documents are merely allegations at this stage. Bethany LeBlanc is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For those interested in exploring more about government fraud and its consequences, consider checking out Fraud.gov for further insights.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we follow the legal proceedings against LeBlanc, a stark reminder of the potential perils of power in positions of public trust.
