Monroe, NC – A Union County mail theft investigation has led to federal charges and the arrest of a Charlotte man who fled to Mexico, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
Federal prosecutors said Erik Magana, 41, allegedly resumed stealing mail in 2024 after serving time for similar crimes. Detectives with the Union County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after reports of mail thefts in Weddington, Marvin, and Waxhaw, working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Magana was arrested on May 30, 2024, when deputies found stolen mail in his vehicle. Authorities said he used stolen mail to obtain personal information, create fake checks, and withdraw money through fraudulent bank accounts.
After a federal indictment was issued in September 2024, Magana fled to Mexico. The U.S. Marshals Service later coordinated his arrest and extradition back to North Carolina, where he now faces federal charges of bank fraud and mail theft.
If convicted, Magana could face up to five years in prison for each mail theft count and up to 30 years for the bank fraud charge, prosecutors said.
Federal officials credited the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals, and Union County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation in the case.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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