Winona postmaster relieved of duties pending investigation

Mail isn't the only thing that's gone missing from the Post Office this holiday season in the southeastern Minnesota town of Winona.

Postmaster Sherri Jo Genkinger, 58, was quietly relieved of her duties Oct. 25 pending the results of an investigation by the U.S. Inspector General's Office.

Winona Police Chief Paul Bostrack said a man who requested anonymity filed a complaint on the evening of June 5 regarding "some stolen or missing" mail.

Police turned the matter over to federal investigators, who aren't saying much about the case.

"I can only confirm the postmaster is in a non-duty status," said Greg Godfrey, assistant special agent in charge of the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General's Office in Denver. He said the Inspector General's Office "does not confirm or refute information related to possible ongoing USPS OIG investigations, except in matters where details of the investigation become a matter of public record."

Genkinger, 58, of Galesville, Wis., has not been charged with any federal or state violation. She did not respond Friday to messages seeking comment.

Federalpay.org, an online database of federal employees, shows that she began working for the Postal Service in 2014 at an annual salary of $68,003.

"It's a problem everywhere, especially this time of year," Bostrack said. "Be proactive about your packages."

Bostrack suggests advising neighbors if you're expecting packages, using a lockbox with a code to receive packages, or using security cameras to track deliveries to your porch.