Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail, Jacksonville FL, 2024

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Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail Scheme Unfolds in Jacksonville, FL

A second man from Jacksonville, FL, has been arrested in connection with a bank fraud and theft of mail scheme. Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo, 26, was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and theft of mail, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to the indictment, Hidalgo, along with co-defendant Frank Anthony Acanda, stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes in Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine over several months. The stolen mail included checks and money orders, which were then deposited into bank accounts controlled by the defendants and used to withdraw cash using ATMs.

In some instances, the defendants allegedly altered the stolen checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw. The indictment also states that the defendants drove around areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine in search of mailboxes to steal from.

Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He also faces up to 5 years for the theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail counts, as well as payment of restitution to the victims he and Acanda defrauded.

Acanda was arrested on December 13, 2023, in connection with the scheme. The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein, with Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington handling asset forfeiture.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

The investigation into the bank fraud and theft of mail scheme is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The public is also reminded that bank fraud and theft of mail are serious crimes that can result in significant fines and imprisonment.

Stay tuned to Grimy Times for further updates on this developing story.