Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Houston resident, Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, aged 64, has been sentenced for his involvement in a significant mail theft and credit card fraud operation. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Oyegoke-Tewogbade entered a guilty plea on February 19. He has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen to serve 24 months in federal prison and pay restitution amounting to $839,555.75. As he is not a U.S. citizen and had overstayed his visa, removal proceedings are expected following his imprisonment.
The fraudulent activities took place over six months from November 2022 to May 2023. Oyegoke-Tewogbade and accomplices targeted U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements meant for account holders. They activated the stolen cards through financial institutions, increased their credit limits, altered account information, and used them for various purchases including goods, services, gift cards, cash withdrawals, and merchandise at retail outlets.
Their actions resulted in the fraudulent activation of at least 120 stolen credit cards with an estimated loss of $1 million incurred by Chase Bank.
Four other individuals involved have also pleaded guilty: Christopher McGee (43), Daniel Sanchez (37), Bradley Kane Zarco (39), and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh (28), all residents of Houston. Sanchez has already received a sentence of 41 months while the others await their hearings.
Oyegoke-Tewogbade remains in custody awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Lansden prosecuting the case.
