United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that three Rapid City women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their individual alleged roles in stealing mail and checks out of several mailboxes, forgery, and cashing stolen checks.
All three women were indicted by a grand jury on April 24, 2012. Chelsea Uchytil was indicted for Theft of Mail and Receipt of Stolen Mail; Jessica Frease for Theft of Mail, Receipt of Stolen Mail, and Bank Embezzlement; and Krissa Shewey for Theft of Mail, Receipt of Stolen Mail, and Bank Embezzlement. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 2, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon each conviction is 30 years’ imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Uchytil, Frease, and Shewey are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Uchytil, Frease, and Shewey were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set. |
