A Pennsylvania man accused of recruiting another person into a counterfeit check scheme involving a local business has turned himself in after police publicly announced they were looking for him.
Waldys Javier Portes-Andujar, 26, is accused of helping arrange fraudulent checks drawn on the business account of Abbey Road Control Inc. Police say one counterfeit check resulted in money being paid while two additional checks were presented but declined.
The three transactions represented more than $5,400 in actual and attempted losses, according to earlier FOX56 reporting. Portes-Andujar had been scheduled to surrender but failed to do so.
Butler Township police publicly identified him as wanted on Aug. 26, and he turned himself in late the following afternoon.
An Audit Uncovered a Counterfeit Check on the Company’s Account
The investigation began in early July when an audit by Abbey Road Control uncovered a counterfeit check drawn on the company’s business account. Butler Township police later learned that two additional fraudulent checks had been presented for payment. Those transactions were declined before money was released.
Investigators traced the proceeds from the check that did clear to a bank account belonging to Franklyn Miguel De Mesa of Hazleton.
Police Say Portes-Andujar Recruited De Mesa
De Mesa was identified first in the investigation. During an interview, police say he acknowledged participating with another person in a scheme involving the fraudulent check and receiving a portion of the proceeds.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators subsequently identified Portes-Andujar as that second participant. Police allege he recruited De Mesa and conspired with an international source who produced the counterfeit checks.
Authorities say proceeds obtained through the scheme were divided among De Mesa, Portes-Andujar and the international source. Police have not publicly identified that third person or disclosed where the individual is located.
He Was Expected to Surrender but Failed to Show Up
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Portes-Andujar and initially arranged for him to surrender voluntarily, but the scheduled surrender did not happen. On Aug. 26, Butler Township police issued a public notice identifying Portes-Andujar, also known as “Javi,” as wanted and asking for assistance locating him.
Late Aug. 27, Portes-Andujar turned himself in to Butler Township police, according to FOX56. Sugarloaf Township police also assisted with the investigation.
He Was Jailed on $10,000 Bail
Portes-Andujar was charged with two felony counts of conspiracy to commit forgery and two felony counts of forgery, along with theft by deception and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned after surrendering and lodged in Luzerne County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.
De Mesa separately faces forgery, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Earlier reporting said he surrendered and was released on his own recognizance. Neither man has been convicted in the case.
What Businesses Can Do After Finding a Counterfeit Check
Abbey Road Control found the first counterfeit check while auditing its account. Police later learned that two more had been presented, although those were declined before money was released.
The OCC advises businesses to review checking accounts frequently and contact their bank when they find a check or withdrawal they did not authorize.
Some banks also offer Positive Pay. Under that system, a business sends its bank information about the checks it actually issued. When another check is presented, the bank can compare details such as the check number and amount against the company’s records before paying it.
The FBI separately advises businesses that discover counterfeit checks to contact their bank immediately.
