Three arrested in check fraud investigation
By David H. Waller
A weeks-long investigation into a fraudulent check scheme has led to the arrests of three Fort Worth men in Albany, with authorities linking them to a larger organized crime operation that has targeted multiple communities across North Texas.
On Feb. 7, reports surfaced of fake checks being cashed at the Brookshire’s store in Albany, totaling over $2,000. Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, and on Feb. 11, store employees, already on alert, contacted police when more individuals attempted to cash fraudulent checks.
With assistance from the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, authorities detained five individuals at the scene, ultimately arresting Marcel Deon Cravin, Antjuan Keyon Carter, and Jonathan Alonso Perez. The three were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony. The remaining two individuals were detained but later released pending further investigation.
Fraud Scheme Spanned Multiple Towns
Albany Police Chief Mike House confirmed that the group was operating out of the Fort Worth area, using forged checks designed to look like paychecks from legitimate businesses. These checks often included the names of real companies and addresses taken from online sources, making them appear authentic.
“They’re good at forging,” House said. “Some of the IDs they use are fake, while others match the checks but belong to someone else.”
Authorities believe the group is part of a larger network of criminals who travel along major highways, hitting towns like Albany, Cisco, and Eastland. In each location, they attempt to cash fake payroll checks at grocery stores or other businesses.
“They take a trip down the interstate, hitting businesses as they go,” House explained. “We’ve seen this method before, and we know it’s not isolated to Albany.”
This isn’t the first time Albany has been targeted by such a scheme. “A year ago, we arrested another group pulling the same scam at Brookshire’s,” House said, adding that the criminals tend to change names and businesses on their checks to avoid detection.
How the Arrests Were Made
Thanks to heightened awareness from Brookshire’s employees, police were able to act quickly on Feb. 11 when the suspects entered the store.
“When we arrived, we immediately detained one individual at the counter who had already signed a check and presented it for cashing,” House said. “Another suspect was waiting behind him, and a vehicle that was linked to the group was spotted outside. When we approached, the vehicle took off, but deputies stopped it and detained two more suspects.”
In total, five people were detained, but only three were formally charged. Investigators are still reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence to determine if additional suspects will be charged.
Businesses Warned to Stay Alert
Police are now working with law enforcement agencies in Fort Worth and surrounding towns to track other potential suspects linked to the scheme.
Authorities warn local businesses to be cautious when cashing checks, especially payroll checks from unfamiliar companies. Criminals often list businesses that are real but not associated with the people presenting the checks, making it difficult to detect fraud.
“They’re pulling addresses and company names from Google and putting them on checks,” House said. “It looks legitimate at first glance, but they’re using it to scam businesses that don’t verify the information.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police encourage any businesses that suspect fraudulent activity to report it immediately.
