A U.S. Grand Jury returned an indictment charging 11 people in Kansas with stealing mail, identify theft and bank fraud.

The 61-count federal indictment returned Tuesday alleges that on Dec. 8, 2012, Wichita police learned that a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was burglarized and a master key was stolen that could open mailboxes throughout the Wichita metro area.

Copies of the stolen key were used to steal mail, including checks and money orders. Methods used to cash the checks and money orders include adding a person’s name to the payee line, removing the original payee and substituting another name, forging signatures of account holders, and making counterfeit checks using the stolen information

Defendants named in the indictment include:
Brandon L. Amend, 30, Wichita, Kan.
Bettye L. Amend, 26, Wichita, Kan.
Cory D. Blanchard, 33
Ashley M. Campbell, 30, Valley Center, Kan.
Jason A. Farner, 33, Leavenworth, Kan.
Keith P. Gipson, 30, Wichita, Kan.
Krista A. Goodwin, 27, Wichita, Kan.
Jason L. West, 31, Wichita, Kan.
Cole P. Kelly, 32, Wichita, Kan.
Shalan D. Hiatt, 37
Jera L. Hammond, 25, Wichita, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
***Receipt of stolen mail: Up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Theft of mail: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Bank fraud: Up to 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
***Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.