US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Brandon G.Novak, age 42, of Yankton, appeared before US Magistrate John E.Simko on May 5, 2010, and pled guilty to one count of an indictment that charged him with five counts of Theft of Mail by a Postal Service Employee. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Brandon G.Novak was a full-time United States Postal Service employee,having been so employed since 1996. Novak was a rural mail carrier assigned to deliver mail on Rural Route 7 in Yankton, South Dakota. Between July 1, 2009 and October 15, 2009, Novak came into possession of correspondence and other mail items intended to be conveyed by the United States mail. Included within this correspondence and mail were items containing gift cards and coupons. On several occasions, Novak would take out store coupons and gift cards from mail and use them to buy personal items for himself.

The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General – United States Postal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Dennis R. Holmes. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has not yet been set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.