Leader Of Meth For Mail Ring, "Superman", Sentenced To 14 Years

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a drug dealer and leader of a mail theft ring in Anchorage was sentenced on 16 counts of fraud, drug distribution, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Jonathan Ortiz Escalante, aka “Superman,” 45, of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline to 14 years in prison. 

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward, who prosecuted the case, Escalante aka “Superman” was the leader of a mail theft ring in Anchorage.  Escalante solicited addicts and homeless people to steal mail and break into vehicles to get checks and identification cards that he then altered and used to cash stolen and counterfeit checks.  Escalante also used stolen credit cards and forged counterfeit securities, as well as stolen vehicles to carry out his scheme.  Escalante distributed methamphetamine to addicts in exchange for stolen mail and cashing stolen checks.  Escalante sold large quantities of methamphetamine in Anchorage and possessed and fired two different Ruger 9mm pistols during the course of his scheme.  Escalante was prohibited from possessing a gun because of a prior felony conviction.  

Judge Beistline stated that the 14-year sentence was appropriate because the defendant had carried out a “decade of criminal activity” and the defendant’s drugs, guns and fraud were a “danger to the community.” 

Four of Escalante’s co-conspirators that he recruited to steal mail and cash stolen checks have been convicted and sentenced including Neasha Moore, John Brittain, Ralph Oliver and Denae Sullivan.

Ms. Loeffler commends the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the ATF, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and APD for the investigation of this case.