OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa woman was arrested after an investigation into theft at the Menards store in Ottumwa.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office says that they received a complaint on June 24 regarding a Menards rebate that had been stolen and later redeemed at the Ottumwa Menards. During their investigation, and with assistance from Menards Corporation, law enforcement identified a suspect who was employed as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service.

Investigators later discovered a pattern of thefts dating back to 2024. The investigation revealed that Menards rebates being mailed to customers were allegedly stolen prior to delivery. Investigators also determined that receipts being mailed by customers to Menards Corporation for rebate processing were allegedly stolen and subsequently submitted for rebates by the mail carrier. 

On Monday, August 17, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45-year-old Jill Ranae Brown of Ottumwa and charged her with 4th Degree Theft, a serious misdemeanor. 

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during their investigation by Menards Corporation and the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.