According to court documents, Dakota J. Bogart was arrested on March 23, 2023.

At the time of his arrest, authorities found mail in his vehicle that did not belong to him. Bogart later admitted to stealing mail from about 20 mailboxes in Leavenworth County, specifically targeting those with raised red flags. A raised red flag, also known as a carrier flag, signals outgoing mail awaiting pickup by the mail carrier.

On Friday, Bogart pleaded no contest to an individual count of theft in Leavenworth County District court, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

The court accepted his plea and found him guilty.

Thompson emphasized the seriousness of mail theft and advised caution when sending mail.

“Stealing or attempting to steal mail is a serious offense, and we should be able to trust that our mail is secure,” Thompson said. “If you’re worried about mailing checks, bill payments, or other sensitive information, consider dropping off your mail at the post office instead of leaving it in your mailbox.”

Thompson also reminded residents about USPS’s Informed Delivery service, which helps track mail deliveries.

“This service provides Daily Digest emails and images of incoming letter-sized mail, offering greater visibility into your deliveries,” he explained. “For more information or to sign up, visit www.usps.com.”