Bakersfield Hatchet-Wielding Man Gets 2 Years for Breaking Into Post Office

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 2 months ago on

March 25, 2025

Shawn Van Dixon, 39, of Bakersfield, was sentenced to two years in federal prison on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for breaking into a Caliente post office with a hatchet and stealing mail from more than 10 victims. (AP File)

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A Bakersfield man was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in federal prison for burglarizing a U.S. Post Office in Caliente, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

Shawn Van Dixon, 39, received the 24-month sentence from U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez after admitting to breaking into the post office on Oct. 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Van Dixon used a black hatchet to smash a glass door just before working hours, entering the facility while it was empty.

He then stole envelopes, letters, and packages from P.O. boxes and other locations, affecting more than 10 victims. He fled the scene in a stolen truck.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.