Federal prosecutors said Friday that two Anchorage residents face dozens of charges alleging they stole checks from vehicles, homes and the mail, then opened bank accounts using stolen identities.
Kelci Neal, 26, and Zachary Ensman, 31, have been charged in a 48-count indictment that includes charges of conspiracy, bank fraud, possession of stolen mail and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska.
Neal and Ensman schemed together to use the stolen identities at banks and businesses in Anchorage for nearly a year beginning in October 2014, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward. They were able to obtain more than $47,000, she said.
Authorities say Ensman used the stolen mail in the recently filed case in "creative ways." Ensman appeared in court on Friday, while Neal's whereabouts are unknown. Authorities are asking anyone with information on Neal's location to call the U.S. Postal Service in Anchorage at 907-261-6321.
Neal is likely in the Anchorage area, Steward said.
The defendants previously stole from their landlords and both have evaded authorities in the past. That's why authorities are asking for the public's help finding Neal, Steward said.?
The charges could mean up to 30 years in prison for Neal and Ensman.