Shawn Van Dixon, a 39-year-old resident of Bakersfield, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in a burglary at a U.S. Post Office located in Caliente. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that on October 28, 2023, Van Dixon forcefully entered the post office by smashing a glass door with a black hatchet. The break-in occurred just before the start of working hours when the facility was unoccupied. During the incident, Van Dixon stole various mail items such as envelopes, letters, and packages from P.O. boxes and other areas within the post office, affecting more than ten victims. He subsequently fled the scene using a stolen truck.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple handling the prosecution.