An Anchorage pair has been charged in a 22-count federal indictment alleging they broke into homes and vehicles being serviced at local automotive mechanics to steal checks and then cash the checks around town, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Alaska.
Victoria Kosetatino, 24, and Jeremy Tamapolu, 31, have been charged with conspiracy, bank fraud, possession of stolen mail and aggravated identity theft, prosecutors said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward said in a prepared statement that the duo plotted together to use the stolen checks at banks and grocery stores in Anchorage for four months starting in December 2014. The charges allege they were able to steal more than $9,500.
Kosetatino made an initial court appearance Monday. Tamapolu's whereabouts are unknown and the feds are asking anyone with information regarding his location to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 907-261-6321.
Kosetatino and Tamapolu face prison sentences of up to 30 years if convicted.
Postal inspectors and the Anchorage Police Department carried out the investigation leading to the case.
APD spokesperson Renee Oistad said Kosetatino and Tamapolu do not have ties to a local property theft ring currently being investigated by the police department. More than 20 people associated with the ring have been arrested. Oistad also said no one has been arrested and charged for breaking into a city tire shop.