HAA Blog
Arrests of Check Fraudsters
Posted by Government Affairs
on Thursday, April 26, 2012
In late 2011 and early January 2012, we posted blogs warning of rent check theft incidents occurring at apartment communities, followed by tips for both renters and managers.
HAA would like to thank the Houston Police Department and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for their hard work and investigation that led to the arrest of more than 40 suspects on April 25 believed to have stolen checks and money orders from apartment community rent drop boxes. The checks and money orders were chemically washed, then counterfeited and either cashed locally or deposited into bank accounts. The group also targeted individuals, some of whom were homeless, to cash those fraudulent money orders.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was able to charge 22 people in Harris County. However, investigators are seeking information about five suspects believed to be involved in the operation. Read here for more information about this story and a full list of wanted suspects.
Anyone with information can contact any of the participating law enforcement agencies or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.