ANCHORAGE, AK— Jonathan Ortiz Escalante, aka “Superman,” 45, of Anchorage, was charged in an 18-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of mail, credit card fraud, bank fraud, counterfeit securities, aggravated identity theft, trafficking in methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of firearms in relation to a shooting in Anchorage, officials announced Tuesday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward said today that Escalante is the leader of a mail theft ring in Anchorage.
Escalante was previously convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud in Washington and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
Escalante along with three other Anchorage residents were indicted for their involvement in a mail theft ring that distributed methamphetamine, officials said.
Also indicted were the following defendants:
Neasha Martha Moore, 24, of Anchorage, is charged in three counts of the indictment with conspiracy, bank fraud, and counterfeit security, for her role in cashing checks stolen from the mail.
Ralph Edward Oliver, 20, of Anchorage, is charged in two counts of the indictment with conspiracy and attempted bank fraud for his role in attempting to cash checks stolen from the mail.
John Fred Brittain, 23, of Anchorage, is charged in two counts of the indictment with conspiracy and theft of mail for his role in stealing mail in exchange for methamphetamine.
Here are the allegations surround this case, according to the indictment:
- Escalante solicited Brittain and others to steal mail and identification cards that he then altered and used to cash stolen checks.
- Escalante also used stolen credit cards and forged counterfeit securities, and distributed methamphetamine to Brittain and others in exchange for stolen mail.
- Escalante solicited Moore, Oliver, and others to cash the fraudulent checks. The felon in possession count alleges that Escalante possessed two different Ruger 9mm pistols while he carried out his drug trafficking crimes.
Escalante is facing from five to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Moore and Oliver are facing up to 30 years’ behind bars. . Brittain is facing up to five years.