4 Busted In Fake Check-Cashing Scheme: Greenwich Police

GREENWICH, CT — A New York woman walked into a Greenwich bank and tried to cash a check. Before she can complete the transaction, bank staff realized it was a scam, and the woman walked out. But before she could leave in the getaway vehicle - with three alleged accomplices inside - Greenwich police pounced.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, and Greenwich cops arrested the four suspects who were allegedly involved in the attempted fake check-cashing scheme at the Chase Bank on Greenwich Avenue.

"The teller recognized that it was a forged check" and contacted the police, Greenwich Police Lt. John Slusarz told Patch.

The suspects were found while they were sitting in a car parked in a handicapped spot behind the bank. At the time of the arrest, officers also found more than $11,500 in cash in the vehicle and nearly $1,900 in money orders.

"When you have such a large amount of cash in the car, it's suspicious," said Slusarz, but he stopped short of speculating about where that money came from.

Arrested on multiple conspiracy, larceny, forgery and identity theft charges were:

• Makeeba M. Bell, 28, of Ardsley, NY
• Eddie A. Hernandez, 25, of the Bronx, NY
• Dylan C. McKenzie, 23, of Yonkers, NY
• John M. Valenzuela, 23, of the Bronx, NY

Hernandez and Valenzuela were additionally charged with interfering an officer after they allegedly gave false names. McKenzie also had two grams of marijuana in his possession and was additionally charged with that offense.

Both Hernandez and Valenzuela were each held in lieu of bails of $500,000, while McKenzie was held in lieu of bail of $25,000. Bell was released on a written promise to appear.

All four are scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Dec. 28.

Photo: From left, Makeeba M. Bell, Eddie A. Hernandez, Dylan C. McKenzie, and John M. Valenzuela. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

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