Garretson Man Arrested for Possession of Stolen Mail And Obstruction of Correspondence

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Garretson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Obstruction of Correspondence and Possession of Stolen Mail.

Michael Dallas Andersen, age 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2012, for the charges. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on August 15, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count. The charges are merely accusations, and Andersen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant US Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case. Andersen was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.