A letter carrier who has worked in this town for the past nine years has been charged with stealing cash, gift cards, debit and credit cards from the very mail she was paid to deliver, authorities said Wednesday.

Tensy May Smith, 52, was being held Wednesday in Westchester County jail with bail set at $50,000 after her arrest Monday in a sting operation. The 15-year U.S. Postal Service employee faces a charge of second-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Authorities say they suspect she used stolen debit, credit and gift cards to buy hundreds of items, including clothing, recreational equipment and electronics, online and from stores throughout Westchester County.