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.
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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.
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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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