A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme that caused over $1 million in losses to Chase Bank.
Bradley Kane Zarco, 39, of Houston, pleaded guilty on April 28 to his role in the scheme, which involved the theft of U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements.
According to court documents, Zarco and his co-conspirators called financial institutions to activate the stolen credit cards, increase credit limits, and change account information. The stolen credit cards were then used to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash, and merchandise at retail stores.
Over a six-month period, the group fraudulently activated at least 120 stolen credit cards, causing approximately $1 million in losses to Chase Bank.
Zarco was sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen, who noted Zarco’s extensive criminal history involving violent offenses and identity theft.
Zarco must also serve three years of supervised release following his sentence.
The scheme was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Lansden prosecuted the case.
Four others had previously pleaded guilty to the same charges – Dennis Christopher McGee, 45, Daniel Sanchez, 37, Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, 28, all of Houston, and Nigerian citizen Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 64, who illegally resided in Houston.
McGee, the leader in the conspiracy, was previously ordered to serve 72 months in prison. Sanchez received a sentence of 41 months, and Qawasmeh and Oyegoke-Tewogbade received sentences of 24 months each. All were ordered to pay $839,555.75 in restitution to Chase Bank.
Zarco will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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