A Dec. 28 break-in at the Cordova Post Office remains unsolved. However, investigations by the United States Postal Inspection Service led to the arrest of a Cordova man suspected of an unrelated theft, police officials said.
John A. Mehelich, Jr., 34, of Cordova, Alaska, was arrested Jan. 13 by Cordova Police Department officers and a U.S. Postal Inspector. Mehelich was charged with second-degree theft of an access device or identification document, a class C felony. Mehelich is alleged to have stolen a check and a post office box key on Dec. 29. Class C felonies are the least serious type of felony recognized in Alaska, and can result in a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $50,000.
Mehelich was released on bail after posting a $1,500 cash bond. At a Wednesday, Jan. 20 hearing, Mehelich was appointed a public defender. A hearing is scheduled for March 4.
