Three Charged In Fraud/Check Washing Scheme: West Hartford PD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — One Hartford man and two men from New York have been charged in an elaborate check washing/fraud scheme targeting West Hartford banks, businesses and individuals.

The West Hartford Police Department Tuesday announced the charges, which date back to Sept. 15, when the WHPD's Community Support Unit noticed "suspicious activity" inside a vehicle on South Main Street.

Tuesday, the WHPD identified the suspects as: Jeremiah Moyer-Washington, 19, of Hartford; Kimani Donte Peters, 26, of Bronx, N.Y.; and Jayvan D. Topping, 28, of Bronx, N.Y.

According to police, all three individuals were charged with: possession of burglar tools; four counts of first-degree forgery; criminal attempt to commit fifth-degree larceny; four counts of sixth-degree larceny; third-degree criminal attempt to commit identity theft; criminal attempt to commit illegal use of a payment card; conspiracy to possess burglar tools; four counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery; conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny; conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny; conspiracy to commit third-degree identity theft; and conspiracy at criminal attempt to commit illegal use of a payment card.

In addition, Moyer-Washington was additionally charged with misuse of plates and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Moyer-Washington, Peters and Topping were taken into custody on $50,000 bonds and were awaiting arraignment at Hartford Criminal Court on Sept. 28.

West Hartford police said,on Sept. 15 at about 12:22 p.m., officers saw a blue, 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe being operated on South Main Street with the wrong registration plates.

Police then said they observed the Hyundai pull into 143 S. Main St. near the TD Bank and other businesses there.

"In that vehicle, officers observed burglary tools, observed numerous washed checks and an improvised device used for illegal mail fishing from mail drop boxes," wrote the WHPD.

"A number of stolen credit cards were also located in the vehicle. One of the occupants had a stolen credit card and altered money orders on his person. "

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or other similar incidents, can contact the West Hartford Police Department through the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 and/or whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.