One of two suspects in a fraud case is in custody, while the whereabouts of the other is unknown, according to the U.S. Attorney of Alaska.
A grand jury indicted 24-year-old Victoria Kosetatino and 31-year-old Jeremy Tamapola on 22 counts related to the misuse of stolen bank checks between December 2015 and April, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler.
“The two conspired to obtain checks stolen from vehicle break-ins–including stealing checks from vehicles being serviced at local automotive mechanics, and checks obtained from burglaries, and mail theft,” she wrote. “The charged individuals then negotiated the stolen checks at different banks and grocery stores in Anchorage.”
Loeffler stated the pair’s scheme allowed them to obtain more than $9,500.
Tamapola was still at large Monday afternoon, according to Loeffler, who encouraged anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 907-261-6321.
Kosetatino appeared in court Monday, and was charged with conspiracy, bank fraud, possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft, Loeffler explained. Tamapola faces the same charges. If convicted, they each face maximum sentences of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
