Rochester man arrested for CNY fraudulent check scheme

Dozens of victims in Central, Western NY

ROCHESTER, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Police arrested a Rochester man on Thursday, May 30 after an investigation into fraudulent checks around Central New York, according to Utica Police.

Utica Police say that between February 8th and May 24th of this year, they have taken numerous fraudulent check complaints stemming from one local banking establishment. Between those dates, reports came in that an individual would be conducting business at a walkup teller or ATM at a bank.

According to reports, as the individuals were conducting their business, a male — later identified as 27-year-old Charles Randall of Rochester — would allegedly walk up to them asking them to deposit a check and withdraw the funds matching the deposits. Several days later, the individuals would be notified by the banks that the checks were fraudulent and the individuals would lose the money they were asked to deposit.

The case was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. During the investigation, it was learned that Randall — along with another unknown suspect — have allegedly been committing these acts throughout Central and Western New York. According to Utica Police, there are dozens of victims of Randall’s scheme.

Working in conjunction with local, state and federal departments, Randall was arrested by Rochester Police on Thursday, May 30. He was subsequently transferred to the Utica Police Department for processing and arraignment.

Randall is currently being charged with:

• Third-degree Grand Larceny, a Class D Felony,
• First-degree Scheme to Defraud, a Class E Felony, and
• four counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a Class D Felony.

According to Utica Police, this case is still under active investigation. Additional charges and arrests in connection with the thefts are expected.