The sentencing judge of the former Tennant Creek Post Office Manager described her money laundering crimes as “sophisticated”.

It was revealed Rebecca Liebelt (36, pictured) made 72 fake deposits totalling over $400,000, with $138,000 deposited in her own bank account and $266,749 into her joint account with husband Greg.

Liebelt stole another $21,000 in cash by accumulating the till takings which did not need to be accounted for.

Justice Sonia Brownhill said Liebelt accessed the accumulated cash for her own purposes or deposited into her own accounts.

“You used seven bank accounts across four different banks to launder the money you stole, mixing it with legitimate earnings,” she said.

“You used the money to pay personal and business bills, personal goods, to invest in business interests and travel.

“You moved the stolen funds around repeatedly and withdrew cash from ATMs across Tennant Creek, thereby overcoming the $2,000 cash withdrawal limits.

“You funnelled some of the stolen cash back into the Post Office to avoid detection. And you also unplugged the internet modem to cause system issues to avoid detection.”

It was revealed on 19 January 2021, Australia Post security conducted a surprise audit after noting continuous financial irregularities.

By 1 March 2021, a former complaint made to NT Police and a formal investigation was launched.

Warrants were issued and Liebelt was subject to phone and physical surveillance.

Auditors found about $79,000 of the stolen money had not been funnelled back into Australia Post.

On 31 May, Liebelt repaid the outstanding amount of the stolen funds.

“As a result of the offending, Australia Post was forced to terminate the lease which resulted in a loss of $79,043.75 which had been advanced to you,” Justice Brownhill said.

“Australia Post obtained a default judgement against you for $86,478.32 which has yet to be paid. I have received a victim impact statement made on behalf of Australia Post. In addition to the loss of the lease money advanced to you, your offending cost Australia Post legal fees, auditing fees, staff travel to the remote location and other debt recovery costs. Those costs amounted to approximately $77,000.

“In addition, because of difficulties obtaining a new licensee, Australia Post has had to staff and run the Tennant Creek Post Office itself at a cost of over $365,000 to date.

“Australia Post seeks restitution of the amount the subject of the default judgement.”

Liebelt was handed a 4.5 year jail sentence, however will be released after serving six months and go into home detention for 12 months.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 14 October 2022.