Athabasca RCMP have charged a Perryvale post master with theft of mail.
In a June 20 press release, Athabasca RCMP said the post master was caught March 15 with personal possession of mail delivery items with a tracking device and a matching serial number.
"In March, 2018 Athabasca RCMP assisted Canada Post investigation of theft of mail by the Post Master in Perryvale," the press release said. "The Post Master was subsequently arrested for theft of mail. This matter is ongoing in court."
Rhonda Pederson faces a charge of theft of mail and made a first appearance in Athabasca Provincial Court April 23, according to Athabasca RCMP Cpl. Dale Bereza.
Pederson entered a plea of not guilty to theft of mail May 14, according to court checks. Her matter is scheduled for trial Dec. 3 in Athabasca Provincial Court.
Bereza said theft of mail, which is a federal offence, is a serious charge.
"I really couldn't say what would happen in court but it's a pretty serious charge when you're stealing other people's mail," Bereza said in an interview.
A person at the Perryvale Country Store, where the Perryvale Canada Post outlet was located, declined a request for comment or to provide their name.
Pederson's name was not part of the initial Athabasca RCMP press release, which Bereza said was optional.
"We didn't necessarily have to put it in the press release," Bereza said "We just want the public to know that someone's been charged. The name for us wasn't a big issue at this point in time."
The Perryvale postal outlet was closed in late March after the investigation, according to a June 1 statement from Canada Post media relations Sylvie Lapointe.
“In late March, the postal outlet in Perryvale closed due to reasons beyond our control,” Lapointe said in the June 1 statement. “It would be inappropriate to comment on details or the investigation. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience.”
Community mailboxes were subsequently brought into Perryvale along Range Road 232 to replace the postal outlet. However, Athabasca County has expressed concerns about the location of the mailboxes being placed along a busy road and has suggested they be moved to Perryvale Community Hall parking lot or the park in Perryvale.
Lapointe said Canada Post is still working with Athabasca County about the location for the mailboxes.
"We are still reviewing with the County to find a solution. Affected residents will be notified as soon as a decision and arrangements have been made," Lapointe said in an email June 21.
