Appleton, Wis. (WLUK) — Carl James Breneman, 39, is still waiting for a trial date after three years, despite facing 47 charges related to an alleged scheme involving stolen mail and fraudulent activities. Breneman has pleaded not guilty to charges including 27 counts of misappropriating identification information to obtain money and 10 counts of theft of mail.
Breneman was charged in May 2024 in connection to the theft of hundreds of pieces of mail. The criminal complaint states that multiple police agencies investigated mail thefts, forgeries, and bank frauds that occurred from fall 2021 to spring 2022. Authorities discovered around 500 pieces of mail stolen from over 200 homes and businesses. The stolen checks were allegedly cashed, and in some cases, information was used to open new bank accounts or apply for credit cards.
Danika Viasana, Breneman’s co-defendant, was sentenced to more than two years in prison for her involvement in the scheme. The complaint identifies 15 victims and highlights the fraudulent activities associated with the stolen mail.
Breneman’s trial has been delayed as his previous attorney left the case earlier this year. Since the state Public Defender’s Office has yet to assign him a new attorney, another status conference has been scheduled for April 16, 2025, during a hearing held on Tuesday.
The legal proceedings continue, and Breneman’s case remains pending as he faces significant charges stemming from the theft of mail and fraud in the Appleton area.