10/19/2017 The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Robert Mackenzie, 62, of Fletcher, Vermont, was sentenced on October 18, 2017, in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve a one (1) year term of probation after his guilty plea to one count of possession of Oxycodone. Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Mackenzie to perform 40 hours of community service during his term of probation, and to pay a $25 special assessment.

According to court records and proceedings, while employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Carrier Associate, Mackenzie stole Oxycodone for his personal use from parcels sent through the U.S. mail that he was supposed to deliver. Mackenzie stole parcels containing controlled substances on at least six separate occasions. Mackenzie lost his job upon discovery of the thefts.

Acting United States Attorney Eugenia A.P. Cowles commended the efforts of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in the investigation and prosecution of Mackenzie. The prosecution of Mackenzie was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara A. Masterson. Mackenzie was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven L. Barth.