JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo, 27, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit theft of mail and one count of theft of mail. Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud and up to five years imprisonment for theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail.

In addition, he faces payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Frank Anthony Acanda, 27, of Jacksonville, defrauded. Acanda entered a guilty plea on June 12. His sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 30, 2024.  

According to court documents, Hidalgo, Acanda and others drove around areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville and St. Augustine and stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes for several months. After opening the mail and stealing checks and money orders, Hidalgo, Acanda and others acting on their behalf deposited the items into bank accounts controlled by them. They then used ATMs to withdraw cash immediately. In some instances, Hidalgo and Acanda altered the stolen checks by increasing the amount to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw from ATMs. 

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service — Jacksonville Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington is handling the asset forfeiture.