A man from Bakersfield, Shawn Van Dixon, 39, has confessed to breaking into a local U.S. Post Office. He pleaded guilty in federal court this week for his involvement in the burglary of the Caliente post office last year. On October 28, 2023, Dixon used a hatchet to break through the glass door and stole various pieces of mail. At the time of the break-in, no workers were present, allowing him to rummage through mailboxes and take parcels and letters intended for more than 10 people. He then escaped in a stolen vehicle, as reported by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service spearheaded the investigation that ultimately led to Dixon's apprehension and subsequent confession. The assistant U.S. Attorney handling the case, Cody S. Chapple, is charged with prosecuting the offender whose actions violated the sanctity of personal correspondence and the integrity of the postal system, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Dixon is set for sentencing on January 28, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez, who will determine the appropriate punishment, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office. While the maximum penalty for such an offense could be as much as five years of incarceration and a fine up to $250,000, the actual sentence will hinge on the judge's assessment of, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
