Counterfeit Check Group Hits Avon Lake Bank

AVON LAKE, OH — Westlake Police arrested five people for cashing counterfeit checks at two different banks on May 10. The group hit Key Bank branches in Westlake and Avon Lake. Police believe the group may have hit at least one more bank somewhere in the Greater Cleveland area on May 10.

A 31-year-old Willowick man cashed checks at both Westlake and Avon Lake banks. He faces an Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity charge.

Police say the checks bear the name of a Cleveland company. The company has been victimized in this type of scam before. However, the bank name and account number used in these counterfeiting activities are incorrect.

Police have also arrested a 22-year-old Cleveland woman, 26-year-old South Euclid woman, and a 25-year-old Cleveland man for Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity. The man also faces Driving Under Suspension and Fictitious License Plate offense.

Police also arrested a 26-year-old Euclid man, the brother of the Willowick suspect that cashed the checks in Avon Lake and Westlake.

Police are still investigating the possibility of an additional bogus check that was cashed earlier on May 10.

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