Noorvik Resident Sentenced To Seven Months In Prison For Burglary Of A Post Office

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that Theodore Westlake, 19, of Noorvik, Alaska, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to seven months in prison for his burglary of a United States Post Office in the village of Noorvik.  Westlake was also ordered to pay full restitution.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward who prosecuted the case, Westlake and two others, forcibly entered the Noorvik Post Office, rifled mail, and attempted to drill into a safe looking for cash. Westlake’s burglary was interrupted when the Village Public Safety Officer responded to the scene.  Over $3,000 in damage was done by the forced entry and attempt to drill into the safe. 

The important role the U.S. Post Office plays in a community such as Noorvik was noted by Judge Gleason in her sentencing comments. 

“Postal Inspectors worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Alaska State Troopers on this investigation and will continue efforts in support of the Postal Inspection Service mission to vigorously protect the U.S. Mail and U.S. Postal Service employees and customers against all forms of criminal attack and misuse,” said Seattle Division Inspector in Charge, Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

U.S. Attorney Loeffler commends the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Alaska State Troopers for the investigation of this case.