United States v. Gilbert M. Ortega

HUFSTEDLER, Circuit Judge:

Gilbert Ortega (“Gilbert”) appeals from his conviction for possessing stolen mail in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1708. Three government checks were stolen from the mail and presented for payment by a person who was identified as Gilbert by the bank tellers. The Government’s handwriting expert testified that the forged endorsements on each of the checks were written by Gilbert. The only controverted fact was the identification of Gilbert as the person who possessed the stolen mail. Gilbert denied any involvement; he claimed that he was mistaken for his brother, Henry,…