Leader of Mail Theft Ring, "Superman," Charged in 18-Count Indictment with Three Co-Conspirators

Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that four Anchorage residents were charged in an eighteen-count indictment for their role in a mail theft ring that involved distribution of methamphetamine.

Jonathan Ortiz Escalante, aka “Superman,” 45, of Anchorage, was charged in an eighteen-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. Escalante was previously convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud in Washington and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.

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.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward, who presented the case to the grand jury, Escalante aka “Superman” is alleged to be the leader of a mail theft ring in Anchorage. The indictment charges that 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 made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin McCoy on January 23, 2015. The remaining defendants are not yet in federal custody.

Escalante is facing a mandatory minimum of five years’ incarceration and a maximum of forty years’ incarceration, and a $5 million fine. Moore and Oliver are facing a maximum of thirty years’ incarceration and a $1 million fine. Brittain is facing a maximum of five years’ incarceration and a $250,000 fine.

Ms. Loeffler commends the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the ATF, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and APD for the investigation of this case.