Charges suspended in Maple Grove mail theft case

Charges have been suspended in a St. Paul woman’s case that included mail theft charges from a Maple Grove business.

Sara Callahan, 43, was in court July 10 when the state decided to suspend prosecution of the felony mail theft charge for one year.

Callahan was originally taken into custody by Maple Grove police on Jan. 26 after the department received a call of an unwanted party at the Extended Stay America on the 12900 block of 63rd Avenue in Maple Grove.

According to the criminal complaint, “Officers learned that an individual who was not staying at the hotel had entered the hotel, went through a door into an area behind the front desk that was restricted to employees.”

This individual was later identified as Callahan, who cut a cord for security cameras, took approximately 39 letters belonging to approximately 29 different people, two sets of keys for the hotel, one set of keys to a vehicle, and several toiletry items.

When officers located Callahan, she admitted she took the items, the complaint said.

The suspension of her case is part of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office Pretrial Diversion Program. The Attorney’s Office website describes the adult diversion program as one for keeping first-time offenders out of the criminal justice system. These first-time offenders are those that have been charged with property crimes of less than $5,000 or fourth- and fifth-degree felony possession.

“Adult diversion programs refer these offenders to social services, chemical dependency or mental health resources,” the website said. “First-time offenders are closely monitored to make sure they meet program expectations. The goals set include accountability, taking advantage of services offered, remaining law-abiding, completing community service, and paying restitution.”

Callahan will be required to have regular check-ins and meetings with her case manager, take random drug tests, do community service and pay restitution.

She is must attend classes or participate in any programs recommended by the Adult diversion program.

This also includes any new criminal offense.

If she does not comply with the conditions, she could lose eligibility and return to court to face further proceedings.