Man Tried to Cash Check Taken from Newton Business at a Watertown Bank

Watertown Savings Bank employees discovered a man trying to cash checks taken from a Newton business, and when man attempting to use them fled he left behind his identification.

On Dec. 27 at 2:15 p.m., a man came into the Main Street branch of Watertown Savings and tried to cash a check from a business in Newton, said Watertown Police Lt. Michael Lawn. One of the bank employees contacted the business owner, who said he had not written the check.

"He appeared to sign the owner's name on the check," Lawn said.

When the bank employee called the business the suspect left the bank, but he left behind his identification, Lawn said.

The fraudulent check cashing may be linked to others from the business, Lawn said, because five other checks had been cashed at Watertown Savings Bank.

Police are investigating the incident.