A Charlotte resident accused of repeated mail theft appeared in federal court today after being returned from Mexico, according to Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Erik Magana, 41, faces charges of bank fraud and two counts of receipt and possession of stolen mail.
Magana was previously convicted in 2020 for stealing thousands of pieces of mail across North and South Carolina. He served a prison sentence followed by supervised release. After his release and completion of supervision in 2024, authorities allege that Magana resumed stealing large amounts of mail from mailboxes in Mecklenburg, Union, and Gaston Counties, as well as other locations. The stolen items reportedly included checks, credit cards, tax forms, financial statements, packages, and documents containing personal information.
Prosecutors state that Magana used the stolen mail to carry out a bank fraud scheme by depositing forged checks into accounts he controlled and withdrawing funds before the fraud could be detected.
Magana fled to Mexico before being indicted in September 2024. The U.S. Marshals Service coordinated his arrest and return to the United States so he could face prosecution.
After his arraignment today in federal court, Magana was ordered held in custody. If found guilty, he could receive up to five years in prison for each mail theft charge and up to 30 years for bank fraud. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed appreciation for the investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for securing Magana’s return to North Carolina. He also acknowledged assistance from the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
“The charges against the defendant are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” said Ferguson.
