Stolen Check Scheme Suspect Arrested: New Canaan PD

NEW CANAAN, CT — A third suspect in a $31,000 stolen check scheme turned himself in to police April 5.

Wayne Barker, 44, of Norwalk was charged with third-degree identity theft, second-degree forgery and third-degree larceny. He was held on $40,000 bond.

More than $31,000 in stolen checks were cashed by three suspects in a New Canaan crime spree, according to police. To sign up for New Canaan breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Police arrested two of the suspects March 27. Police began investigating on Dec. 12, 2015 after a resident reported checks stolen from a mailbox.

More victims were uncovered as police investigated. The scheme lasted for more than a year and involved at least nine New Canaan victims, police said.

The outgoing checks were taken from mailboxes and the payee information was altered. Checks were cashed into multiple accounts using a mobile device.

Wayne Barker, 24 and Kimberly Ruff, 36, both of Norwalk were arrested. Barker was charged with two counts each of second-degree forgery and misapplication of property.

Ruff was charged with four counts of third-degree identity theft and one count each of third-degree larceny and second-degree forgery.