South Carolina Man Steals Checks From Mailboxes, Alters Them, And Then Cashes Them
An arrest has been made after a months-long investigation into a series of stolen checks and fraudulent transactions in North Carolina.
Pinehurst Police Department detectives began their investigation after residents reported that checks they placed in their mailboxes had been stolen. In several cases, detectives found that the recipient’s names, check amount, or both were altered before being cashed.
As more reports came in, detectives began to notice patterns between the cases.
After reviewing financial and banking records, surveillance footage, and identification records for months, detectives finally identified the suspect as 62-year-old Tyrone Livingston of South Carolina.
Seven Incidents Linked
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Pinehurst police say they linked Livingston to seven reported incidents that occurred in Pinehurst.
Multiple search warrants were executed by investigators to obtain financial and transaction records. Those records provided law enforcement with additional evidence linking Livingston to the cashing or depositing of the altered and forged checks associated with the thefts.
Based on the investigation, Pinehurst Police obtained arrest warrants charging Livingston with multiple felonies.
The charges include three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, one count of attempted felony obtaining property by false pretenses, three counts of felony forgery of an instrument, and four counts of felony uttering a forged instrument.
The Arrest
Police say Livingston was arrested on Sept. 30 and was served with the outstanding warrants.
Jail records show Livingston was booked into the Moore County Detention Center at 2:12 p.m. on Sept. 30. It shows a total of 14 charges and a combined bond of $80,000. There was no information regarding a set court date.
Pinehurst Police Chief Glen Webb praised detectives who spent months investigating the cases and working to connect Livingston to the incidents.
“Once again, our officers and detectives have shown tireless dedication in pursuing those who would prey on our citizens,” Webb said. “I am proud of the effort and time they have put into these investigations.”
Pinehurst police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.
A Warning
In the news release, Pinehurst Police also encouraged residents to take precautions when mailing checks and other financial information.
Residents should use a secure mail drop-off location when possible and regularly monitor their financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Anyone with information related to the reported thefts is encouraged to contact the Pinehurst Police Department.
Livingston is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
