A former employee of the United States Postal Service has been charged with three counts of mail theft, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Tammie J. Desomma, 49, of Sartell, Minn., was charged Monday in federal court for allegedly taking mail that was entrusted to her. She allegedly stole envelopes containing a gift card to Coborn's, Target and a check, the complaint said.

If found guilty, Desomma faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each charge.

--TIM HARLOW