Watertown Man Charged With Mail Fraud

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for five counts of mail fraud.

Leon J. Brandriet, age 59, was indicted on March 4, 2014.  He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on March 13, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge is merely an accusation and Brandriet is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.    Brandriet was released on bond pending trial.   A trial date has not been set.