A Charlotte man accused of repeatedly stealing mail and fleeing to Mexico to avoid prosecution appeared in federal court today, according to an announcement by 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. Authorities allege that after his release from supervision in 2024, Magana resumed stealing large amounts of mail from various counties in North Carolina. The stolen items reportedly included checks, credit cards, tax forms, financial statements, packages, and documents containing personal information. Investigators say Magana used these items as part of a scheme to deposit forged checks into accounts he controlled before withdrawing funds.
Prior to his indictment in September 2024, Magana left the country for Mexico. The U.S. Marshals Service arranged for his arrest and return to the United States so he could face prosecution.
Following his arraignment today, Magana was ordered held in custody pending further proceedings. If found guilty, he could receive up to five years in prison on each mail theft charge and up to 30 years for the bank fraud charge. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson acknowledged the efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in investigating the case and commended both the U.S. Marshals Service for securing Magana’s return and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
“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.
