ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A former mail carrier in Rochester who was found guilty of stealing items from people’s mail has been sentenced.

40-year-old Marlene Cruz will be serving two years of probation. She was convicted of theft of mail matter by officer or employee.

In January 2022, the US Postal Service received complaints that their mail was tampered with in late 2021. It was revealed Cruz worked the routes of those who sent in the complaints.

An investigation revealed Cruz opened the mail and stole ticket stubs, documents, money, lottery tickets, and gift cards. A test was conducted where investigators placed greeting cards with money and gift cards for Cruz to deliver. She was detained and a gift card was found in her personal bag.

The maximum penalty Cruz faced for her charge was five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.