Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo, a 27-year-old from Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to several charges, including bank fraud and mail theft. He admitted to stealing mail from people and businesses, which led to identity theft and financial losses. The charges include one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, and one count of mail theft.
Hidalgo, along with his co-defendant Frank Anthony Acanda, also 27, engaged in a calculated operation across Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine—stealing mail that contained financial instruments such as checks and money orders. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Hidalgo and Acanda altered the stolen checks to withdraw greater sums when they deposited the items into accounts they controlled.
Hidalgo could face up to 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud charge and its related conspiracy charge, plus up to 5 years for mail theft and conspiracy. His accomplice, Acanda, pleaded guilty in June and will be sentenced at the end of September. Victims will receive restitution through the court, but the emotional impact may be greater.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service worked together on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein handled the prosecution, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington managed asset forfeiture.
