Frank Anthony Acanda, Bank Fraud, Florida 2025

Bank Fraud Scheme Lands Jacksonville Man in Federal Prison

A brazen bank fraud scheme that targeted unsuspecting residents and businesses in Jacksonville has come to an end with the sentencing of Frank Anthony Acanda, 27, to one year and one day in federal prison.

According to court documents, Acanda and his co-defendant, Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo, 27, were part of a group that stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes in Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine. The stolen mail included checks and money orders, which were then deposited into bank accounts controlled by Acanda and Hidalgo.

Using ATMs, the duo would immediately withdraw cash, in some instances altering the stolen checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw. The scheme went on for several months, leaving a trail of victims in its wake.

Acanda’s sentencing comes after his co-defendant, Hidalgo, pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024. Hidalgo is set to be sentenced on February 28, 2025.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the United States Postal Inspection Service – Jacksonville Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting the case.

Acanda’s sentence includes restitution to the victims he and Hidalgo defrauded. The exact amount of restitution has not been disclosed.

In a statement, officials from the United States Postal Inspection Service praised the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies in bringing the perpetrators to justice. ‘This case highlights the importance of cooperation and vigilance in preventing and investigating mail theft,’ they said.

Acanda’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of committing bank fraud. The case serves as a cautionary tale for those who would seek to exploit the trust placed in the postal system.

Defendant information:

• Defendant: Frank Anthony Acanda

• Charges: Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

• City and State: Jacksonville, Florida

• Date: Not disclosed

• Sentence: 1 year and 1 day in federal prison, restitution to victims

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