Final Two Defendants Convicted in $1 Million Mail Theft and Credit Card Fraud Scheme, U.S. Attorney Announces

HOUSTON, TX -- The final two people in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme have been convicted, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Bradley Kane Zarco, 39, and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, 28, both of Houston, admitted to obtaining stolen U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements for intended account holders. They called financial institutions to activate the stolen credit cards, increased credit limits and changed information. The stolen credit cards were used to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash and merchandise at retail stores.

Over a six-month period, they fraudulently activated at least 120 stolen credit cards and caused approximately $1 million in losses to Chase Bank.

Three others had also previously pleaded guilty to the same charges - Christopher McGee, 43, and Daniel Sanchez, 37, both of Houston, and Nigerian citizen Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 64, who illegally resided in Houston.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen accepted the pleas and set sentencing for Aug. 11.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum five-year prison term and a potential fine of up to $1 million. McGee also admitted one count of aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory two years in prison which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

Sanchez has already been sentenced. He was ordered to serve 41 months in prison in February.

With the exception of Qawasmeh who was permitted to remain on bond, all others have been and will remain in custody.

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