Calif. postal worker accused of opening letters

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - January 7, 2009 Prosecutors said Dean Hudson of Marysville was indicted Wednesday on 19 federal counts of mail theft and delay or destruction of mail by a postal employee.

Public defender Mary French says Hudson will plead not guilty.

Prosecutors say the 29-year-old postal worker was videotaped or observed opening cards from July to December while he was employed at a Postal Service processing and distribution center in Marysville.

The indictment alleges he stole $550 from 11 pieces of mail in addition to opening numerous other envelopes.

Each charge carries a maximum five-year prison term.