Five Houston Men Arrested in $1.2 Million Mail Theft and Credit Card Fraud Scheme

Five Houston men have been apprehended by federal authorities for their alleged involvement in a significant mail theft and credit card fraud scheme, resulting in losses exceeding $1.2 million, as declared by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Today, Daniel Rios Sanchez, 35, and Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 62, both residents of Houston, were arrested and are scheduled for initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. Dennis Christopher McGee, 41, Bradley Kane Zarco, 37, and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, 26, all from Houston, were previously charged and arrested.

According to an indictment from October 4, the individuals allegedly collaborated in stealing U.S. mail containing newly issued credit cards and bank statements. They purportedly contacted financial institutions to activate the stolen credit cards, modify account information, and increase credit limits. The illicitly obtained credit cards were then used to make unauthorized purchases, including goods, services, gift cards, cash, and merchandise from retail stores.

Over a six-month period, the group is accused of fraudulently activating a minimum of 210 stolen credit cards, resulting in approximately $1,230,542.92 in losses.

All five individuals face a single count of conspiracy, carrying a potential five-year prison sentence. If convicted of bank fraud, they could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. A conviction for receipt of stolen mail carries a potential five-year prison term. Additionally, all are charged with aggravated identity theft, which mandates a mandatory two-year prison sentence, to be served consecutively to any other imposed term. The charges also carry potential fines of up to $1 million.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the arrests.