BANGOR – The man charged with burglarizing the Etna post office two years ago pleaded guilty to federal charges today in U.S. District Court in Bangor.

Michael Randall Ely, 23, of Plymouth was indicted in July by a federal grand jury for burglary and theft at the post office on Route 2.

Ely entered the building on Nov. 6, 2006, by removing an air conditioner in a rear window, according to court documents. His DNA was matched in March to a DNA profile in a bloodstain recovered from the fax machine in the employee area of the post office. Why Ely’s DNA was on file could not be determined Monday.

Ely admitted to taking money orders, one piece of Express mail, two certified letters and a check from an insurance company for more than $280.

He faces up to five years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

Ely was charged in Penobscot County Superior Court last December in connection with a home invasion on Nov. 20, 2006, in Newburgh.

He was indicted in May by the Penobscot County grand jury on one count of burglary, two counts of robbery and two counts of assault.

The status of those charges could not be determined Monday.

Reporter Judy Harrison can be reached at 990-8207 or jharrison@bangordailynews.net.