Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw
United States of America v. Gayli Harman
Date: 04-29-2026
Case Number: 5:25-cr-40066
Judge: Toby Crouse
Court: United States District Court for the District of Kansas (Shawnee County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Topeka
Defendant's Attorney: Andrew Russek
Description:
Topeka, Kansas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with illegally taking mail that was supposed to be delivered to customers.
Gayli Harman, 44, of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, worked for the U. S. Postal Service in Westmoreland in the Sales, Service, and Distribution department. Between June 2021 and March 2023, Harman opened mail that wasn’t addressed to her and removed items from some of the packages. She also hid mail causing it not to be delivered. Investigators found 16 pieces of mail hidden throughout the Westmoreland Post Office. Harman also issued herself a post office box without paying.
The estimated loss value to customers is approximately $530.00.
“Even with the heavy usage of email, Americans still depend on the mail system numerous ways in their daily lives. Although the total dollar amount here might not be overwhelming, the damaged trust in our mail system cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We encourage customers to report when their packages don’t arrive or items are missing, because the follow up investigations can help to root out bad actors for prosecution.”
The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.
Gayli Harman, 44, of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, worked for the U. S. Postal Service in Westmoreland in the Sales, Service, and Distribution department. Between June 2021 and March 2023, Harman opened mail that wasn’t addressed to her and removed items from some of the packages. She also hid mail causing it not to be delivered. Investigators found 16 pieces of mail hidden throughout the Westmoreland Post Office. Harman also issued herself a post office box without paying.
The estimated loss value to customers is approximately $530.00.
“Even with the heavy usage of email, Americans still depend on the mail system numerous ways in their daily lives. Although the total dollar amount here might not be overwhelming, the damaged trust in our mail system cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We encourage customers to report when their packages don’t arrive or items are missing, because the follow up investigations can help to root out bad actors for prosecution.”
The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.
Outcome:
The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Gayli Harman?
The outcome was: The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Which court heard United States of America v. Gayli Harman?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the District of Kansas (Shawnee County), KS. The presiding judge was Toby Crouse.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Gayli Harman?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Topeka. Defendant's attorney: Andrew Russek.
When was United States of America v. Gayli Harman decided?
This case was decided on April 29, 2026.