An attempted check-fraud transaction at a Shreveport credit union led police to two suspects and an investigation into earlier activity at other branches.
The case began July 8 at Barksdale Federal Credit Union on Youree Drive, where representatives reported that someone had tried to negotiate a fraudulent check.
Police said the account involved had already been frozen after earlier alleged fraudulent activity at other Barksdale Federal Credit Union branches on July 7. That freeze prevented the attempted transaction at the Youree Drive branch the next day.
Police identified the suspects as Jaderria Williams and Desmond Anderson. Williams was booked on a forgery charge and other counts after the incident, while Anderson was booked on separate charges following his detention.
Investigators Tied the Attempt to Earlier Check Activity
Police said investigators learned that Williams had allegedly negotiated fraudulent checks at other Barksdale Federal Credit Union branches one day earlier, on July 7.
That earlier activity is what led to the account freeze before the July 8 attempt. Police identified Williams and Anderson as the suspects connected to the attempted transaction. After the credit union report, both were later detained by patrol officers.
Detectives with the Shreveport-Caddo Financial Crimes Task Force responded after the detention and continued the fraud investigation.
Williams and Anderson Charges
Williams was booked on a forgery charge, which is the count directly tied to the alleged check-fraud investigation. Police also listed additional counts and a Louisiana Probation and Parole hold.
Anderson was booked on charges of resisting an officer and possession of Schedule I marijuana. Police also said he had a fugitive warrant out of Bossier Parish.
Frozen Accounts Can Stop a Check Before More Money Moves
Anyone who sees an unfamiliar check, altered check image, missing check, unexpected withdrawal, or branch transaction they did not authorize should contact the financial institution immediately and ask whether the account should be frozen or restricted.
Useful records include check numbers, cleared check images, deposit records, branch locations, dates, amounts, bank alerts, account statements, endorsement images, and any communication with the bank or credit union.
Suspected check fraud should be reported to the financial institution’s fraud department and local law enforcement. If a check may have been stolen from the mail, the report can also be filed with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
