Two Anchorage Residents Charged in a 22-Count Indictment with Conspiracy, Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that two Anchorage residents were charged in a 22-count indictment alleging that the two conspired to obtain checks stolen from vehicle break-ins–including stealing checks from vehicles being serviced at local automotive mechanics, and checks obtained from burglaries, and mail theft.  The charged individuals then negotiated the stolen checks at different banks and grocery stores in Anchorage. 

Victoria Kosetatino, 24, and Jeremy Tamapolu, 31, both of Anchorage, were charged in a 22-count indictment that includes charges of conspiracy, bank fraud, possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. 

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward, who presented the case to the grand jury, Kosetatino and Tamapolu conspired together to use stolen checks at banks and grocery stores in Anchorage from December 2015, through at least April 2016, to obtain over $9,500. 

Kosetatino appeared in court today on the charges.  Tamapolu’s whereabouts are unknown.  Anyone with information regarding the location of Jeremy Tamapolu please contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Anchorage at 907-261-6321.  See the photos at the end of this release. 

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million or both. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.                    

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Anchorage Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.