Lemmon man pled guilty to Theft of Mail Matter

November 5, 2009
Rapid City, SD

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Claude Haugen, age 44, of Lemmon, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on November 2, 2009, and pled guilty to Count II of an Indictment that charged him with Theft of Mail Matter. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. In February 2009, Haugen, a contract carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, stole a package from an individual on his route. The investigation was conducted by the USPS-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Carolyn G. Olson. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 1, 2010. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing. # # #