Police Arrest Several People In Check-Fraud Ring
Investigators Estimate Retail Loss at $100,000

August 2, 2004

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Police from several metro communities made several arrests in connection with a check-fraud ring. Investigators from Overland Park, Kan., Kansas City, Shawnee, Kan., Leavenworth, Kan., Blue Springs police and United States postal inspectors served four warrants on three homes Thursday morning.

Police said that they found expensive laptop computers, building materials, construction tools, electronics, televisions, appliances and counterfeit check-making equipment and software. Officers claim the suspects defrauded retail stores by passing counterfeit and insufficient checks. Property obtained by the members was then pawned, fenced or sold for cash. Detectives estimate the retail loss amounts to $100,000.

Officers arrested four people. They are being held in Kansas City for outstanding warrants from unrelated cases. The arrests were a result of a 10-month investigation. Detectives in Overland Park, Kan., and Kansas City joined forces after they recognized they had similar cases in their cities with the same suspects.

Formal charges have not been filed in the case.