A Baxter Springs postal worker is facing federal charges after investigators say she took thousands of pieces of mail that were supposed to be delivered to residents in the Pittsburg area.

A federal grand jury in Wichita has indicted 59-year-old Kelly R. Cram on one count of unlawfully taking, destroying or delaying mail.

According to the indictment, the alleged thefts began in October and involved more than 4,000 pieces of mail. Investigators say the stolen items were kept in Cram's garage rather than being delivered to their intended recipients.

The investigation also uncovered nearly 400 political mailers connected to Republican candidates and Republican-affiliated political action committees. Court documents indicate investigators found no political mailings associated with candidates from any other political party at her residence.

The U-S Postal Service Office of the Inspector General is handling the investigation.