News Summary
Bethany LeBlanc, the former postmaster of Seekonk, has pleaded guilty to stealing almost $20,000 through fraudulent manipulation of no-fee money orders. Her guilty plea was entered following her arrest earlier in the year, revealing that she submitted false invoices to cover her theft. The funds were misused for personal expenses, including gambling. She faces a possible 10-year prison sentence and financial penalties.
Seekonk, Massachusetts – Former Postmaster Pleads Guilty to Theft of Nearly $20,000
Bethany LeBlanc, 48, who served as the postmaster for the Seekonk Post Office, has pleaded guilty to stealing almost $20,000 through the misuse of government funds. The guilty plea was entered on Wednesday following her arrest in May, as announced by the office of the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.
LeBlanc held the position of postmaster from November 2023 until February 2025. Prior to this role, she had an extensive career with the United States Postal Service (USPS), serving in various positions such as carrier, window clerk, and customer service manager. Her experience and authority as postmaster enabled her to issue and approve “no fee” money orders, which are intended solely for covering USPS operational expenses.
Details of the Scheme
LeBlanc was found to have generated a total of 25 “no fee” money orders to herself, amounting to approximately $19,917. To conceal her theft, she submitted false invoices for USPS expenses to clerks within the Seekonk Post Office. To further misrepresent the nature of her actions, she annotated “Fire Dept. Box” in the memo section of two money orders, thereby creating a misleading appearance concerning their purpose.
For many of the other money orders issued to herself, LeBlanc listed the names of relatives and associates, which served to obscure the true origin of the illicit funds. It is reported that the stolen funds were utilized for personal expenses, including significant gambling activities at local casinos.
Legal Ramifications
As a result of her actions, LeBlanc is facing a maximum potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, she may be subject to a financial penalty of $250,000. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 29, and it remains to be seen what consequences she will ultimately face for her misconduct.
Context of the Case
The case highlights issues of trust and accountability within government organizations, especially regarding positions of authority such as that of a postmaster. The role is not only crucial for the operation of postal services but also involves handling governmental funds in a responsible manner. The United States Postal Service has stringent guidelines regarding the management of financial transactions, particularly with respect to “no-fee” money orders, which must only be utilized for permissible postal expenses.
Instances of similar misconduct can erode public trust in government services. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of oversight and monitoring in public service positions to prevent misuse of authority and public funds.
The U.S. Attorney’s office continues to emphasize the need for ethical conduct among government employees, reiterating that individuals who engage in fraudulent activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Seekonk Postmaster Arrested for Embezzlement
Additional Resources
- MassLive
- WPRI
- WCVB
- CBS News
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Postal Service
- Google Search: Seekonk Postmaster Theft
- Google Scholar: Seekonk Postmaster Theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Money Order
- Google News: Seekonk Postmaster Theft
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
