Suspect Accused Of Stealing Check From Westport Business: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A 23-year-old Bronx, New York woman was arrested by Westport police last week on a charge of fifth-degree larceny in connection with an alleged check theft scheme that authorities said resulted in more than $100,000 in losses for a Westport company.

Anyelina Jimenez-Tavarez was picked up by Westport police at Rikers Island in New York on Jan. 10, and was transported back to Westport for booking; in addition to larceny, Jimenez-Tavarez was also charged with third-degree identity theft.

The case began in June 2023 when an unnamed Westport company reported nine checks had been stolen and fraudulently deposited into various accounts; the checks had been mailed via the United States Postal Service.

"Through the use of several search warrants, it was determined that there were multiple suspects in multiple states using multiple bank accounts," wrote Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods in a statement. "One of the suspects was identified as Anyelina Jimenez-Tavarez. The total loss to the company was in excess of $100,000.00, but Ms. Tavarez was only responsible [for] a small portion of the total loss, approximately $829."

Westport police obtained a warrant for Jimenez-Tavarez's arrest, which resulted in her being taken into custody on the 10th.

She was held in lieu of bail of $20,000, and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court at a later date.