CAPE GIRARDEAU — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Missouri, Eastern), published as received.
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A former postal worker in Poplar Bluff on Tuesday admitted stealing Menards rebate checks and store receipts that were mailed in for rebates.
Ron Harty, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of theft of mail by a postal employee and one count of possession of stolen mail.
On August 15, 2025, Hart purchased a fire pit and 110 patio blocks from the home improvement store Menards using rebate checks from four victims totaling $280.95. He also used a $64.05 rebate check in his own name, 88% of which came from five victims who mailed receipts to Menards seeking rebates only to have their mail intercepted by Harty. An investigation revealed six other victims who sent in nine receipts that Harty intercepted.
Harty worked at the Poplar Bluff Post Office in Butler County as the lead sales and service associate at the time, as well as at the Williamsville Post Office in Wayne County.
Harty, of Butler County, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2027. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Shelton is prosecuting the case.
