United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Frank Anthony Acanda (26, Jacksonville) on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and theft of mail. If convicted, Acanda could face up to 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud and conspiracy count, up to 5 years for theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail, along with restitution to the victims.
The indictment alleges that Acanda, along with co-defendant Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo and others, targeted areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine. Over several months, they allegedly stole significant volumes of mail from both residential and business mailboxes. Following the theft, they opened the mail and took checks and money orders. Acanda, Hidalgo, and others, acting on their behalf, reportedly deposited these items into bank accounts under their control and subsequently used ATMs to immediately withdraw cash. Some stolen checks were also allegedly altered to increase their amounts, maximizing the cash they could withdraw from ATMs.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal charge, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The case was investigated collaboratively by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Jacksonville Office.
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