Five charged in bank fraud and theft scheme

HOUSTON – Five local men have been taken into federal custody on charges they conspired in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme resulting in more than $1.2 million in losses, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities arrested Daniel Rios Sanchez, 35, and Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 62, both of Houston today. They are expected to make initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. Also charged and previously arrested were Dennis Christopher McGee, 41, Bradley Kane Zarco, 37, and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, 26, all also of Houston.

According to the indictment returned Oct. 4, all five obtained stolen U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements for intended account holders. They allegedly called financial institutions to activate the stolen credit cards, increase credit limits and change information. The stolen credit cards were used to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash and merchandise at retail stores, according to the charges.

Over a six-month period, they allegedly fraudulently activated at least 210 stolen credit cards and caused approximately $1,230,542.92 in losses.

All are charged with one count of conspiracy which carries a possible five-year prison term. If convicted of bank fraud, they could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, while a conviction of receipt of stolen mail carries a potential five years. All are also charged with aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory two years in prison which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The charges also have potential fines of up to $1 million.  

U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Lansden is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.