A 43-year-old Scott County woman admitted that she stole cash, gift cards and other items from residents on her mail route for nearly a year.

Michelle L. Bressette, of Jordan, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Minneapolis to theft of mail.

According to her plea agreement:

From December 2009 through October 21, 2010, while employed at the Prior Lake post office, Bressette stole letters and other mail, particularly magazines. She also admitted stealing the contents of some letters, cards and other mail, specifically, cash and gift cards.

Bressette was first employed as a temporary rural carrier in 1999, said Postal Service spokesman Peter Nowacki. She has been on nonpaid leave "pending the conclusion of this investigation," Nowacki added.

Bressette faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482