A former Postal Service employee said she took money from the cash drawer because she and her husband were having financial difficulties.
Melanie Morrow said she intended to pay it back.
Prosecutors said she did initially from time to time repay money she "kited" from the Post Office, but owed $1,543.73 at the time agents confronted her.
Upon selling a postal money order, she would pocket the money rather than place it in the cash drawer.
She was ordered to make restitution in the amount taken.
Ms. Morrow, who is from Franklin County, appeared before Judge Sandy Mattice in Chattanooga.