New Jersey Man Accused Of Stealing $25,000 From Westport Victim: PD

WESTPORT, CT — A 36-year-old Leonia, New Jersey man was arrested on a warrant by Westport police this week on charges of larceny and identity theft, after police said he fraudulently cashed a $25,000 check written by a Westport resident.

Anthony Sanchez surrendered to Westport police Tuesday, and was charged with first-degree larceny and third-degree identity theft in connection with the case, which began in November 2023 with a complaint of a stolen check that had been altered and cashed.

"The complainant reported they mailed a check for $25,000 from their residential mailbox," said Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods in a statement. "After the check was cashed, the complainant noticed that the payee portion of the check was changed to 'Anthony Sanchez.' Through the use of search warrants, video surveillance, and law enforcement sharing, Anthony Sanchez was identified as the person who allegedly deposited the check into his bank account."

Additional details of how the check was stolen, and where it was cashed, were not disclosed.

Sanchez was released after posting a bond on bail of $150,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on June 18.