Ex-postal worker gets probation for stealing mailed gift cards

TAMPA - A former U.S. Postal Service employee was sentenced today to three years' probation for stealing gift cards along her Spring Hill delivery route.

Amanda Turner, 27, below left, was also ordered to pay $50 in restitution, the amount of two gift cards prosecutors cited her for stealing in April.

"Last year was a really hard year for me. I was going through a lot," Turner told Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew. "I did have a drug-related problem. I'm doing a lot better now."

Dionja Dyer, Turner's public defender, told the judge that Turner's troubles grew worse after the death of her mother last year.

After a December arrest on suspicion of drunken driving, Turner tested positive for cocaine, a probation officer said in court. Probation officials enrolled her in a monthlong substance abuse program, which she completed on Monday.

The probation officer praised her for doing well in the program.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Palermo said Turner's drug and alcohol problems caused her to lose a $17-an-hour job as a letter carrier. Her four children, ages 9, 6, 4 and 2, are in the state's foster care system. Turner said she's "fighting to get them back."

"We're all rooting for you to do a good job here," Bucklew told Turner. "So don't disappoint us."

Kevin Graham, Times staff writer

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Comments

[???HuH???]

Someone correct me please if im wrong but i thought that messing wit USPS mail was a federal offense????

[wayne]

Yeah, I'm sure you were going thru a lot because your Mother died.
What about your kids, did you ever stop to think what they will go thru the rest of their lives because of an idiot mother.

[mrknowitall]

awwwwwwwwwwww poor baby. Bet your laughing your tail off with how you pulled the wool over everybody's eyes. Wasn't worried about the kids while you were drugging and stealing. Now all of a sudden you've had change of heart. Thats great ! i also believe in the easter bunnie.

[nickatdabeach]

Isn't this the same pansy-judge who lets most offenders walk free? I'm certain St Pete Police are hoping she's assigned to those three thugs who shot the cop recently. I'm curious: has anyone got to them yet with a shank in the eye? I'm still hoping.

[shadow]

People have got to realize that it was the drug. it was not the true lady. I'm sure she's hurting not laughing. most likely she's crying and I hope all goes well for her and gets her kids back asap. she's still on probation so give her a brake.

[Pam]

Why is it when people make bad decisions and break the law they blame it on the drug and never themselves.Oh thats because they can't take responsibility for anything. Maybe someone can start blaming criminal behavior on Mountain Dew..."oh the sugar made me do it"