By Jason J. Marchi, Harbor News Correspondent:
Connecticut State Police at Troop-F in Westbrook have initiated
a criminal investigation into the cashing of fraudulent payroll checks
that appear to have originated from the Water's Edge Resort in Westbrook,
police said.
“There are approximately 23 suspects responsible for cashing
these checks,” stated Connecticut State Police public information officer Lt.
J. Paul Vance.
“The suspects appear to be Hispanic males and females
who entered the NewAlliance Bank located on 1238 Boston Post Road in Westbrook and
cashed a number of fraudulent [payroll] checks stealing $19,260.82,
[and] may have fled in an unknown vehicle,” Vance said.
Video surveillance cameras at the NewAlliance Bank provided
police with photos of the suspects believed to be involved in the larceny.
State Police investigators also said that the Guilford Police Department is
investigating a similar type incident at a bank in its town.
“It does look like the same people are involved,” stated
Guilford Chief of Police Thomas Terribile. “They hit Guilford for roughly $7,000.”
Terribile also confirmed that all of the bogus checks cashed in Guilford were written
against the Water’s Edge accounts.
State Police have developed some investigative leads in this case but are still
seeking any information as to the identity of some or all of the suspects.
Witnesses who may have seen these people in or around the bank
or may have any information in this case are asked to contact State
Police at Troop-F Westbrook at 860-399-2100, or use the “TEXT-A-TIP”
anonymous text message system. Dial CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone,
and begin your text message with TIP711, then enter your information and press
SEND. Police said all information will be kept confidential.