Tell me >> [music] >> where the check came from. If you guys are famous, give me a picture. What's his name? >> Yeah, Carlos. >> The problem right now is this check is showing as fake. >> What's in the box? >> I don't know. I really don't. >> Those are Those are potatoes. >> We had a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo. So, we've seen him on camera. We've been reviewing camera [music] all day. We see him walking down 6th. I guess there's a neighborhood like that here. >> Those Wild West bank robberies are a thing of the past. These days, thieves use different tactics to steal cold, hard cash. These suspects thought that their fake checks would earn them a quick buck, but then the cops showed up and these teenage scammers realized that their bank scams were falling apart. >> They're reporting the check as stolen. Or fraudulent. It's a fraudulent check. >> 7,300. >> $44. >> This is a little weird. >> On the 7th of October, 2025, in New Jersey, a bank called police after a woman tried to cash a $7,000 check from an account that wasn't hers. When the officers got there, they met the suspect, a Dunkin Donuts employee, and she thought she had hatched the perfect get-rich-quick scheme. >> Ma'am. Ma'am. Can you come here for a second? Can you just hang up the phone real quick? All right. So, there's apparently a there's a issue going on right now. All right? Uh so, Yeah, you're fine. So, the bank contacted us. Uh the the check that you're trying to cash, this one? >> Yeah. >> Correct? All right. And this is your ID? >> Yeah. >> Correct? All right. So, how'd you get here? What car? And the car over there? What kind of car? >> White White Camry. >> White Camry? Okay. >> I actually don't know anything. This is my friend's friend. >> Your friend's friend? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It was starting to sound like her friend's friend was supposed to be the getaway driver. However, when the cops showed up, they bailed out on foot. According to the suspect, Jahessa, her so-called friend had given her the $7,000 check, and the money was to be used for installation of solar panels. >> You still live here? >> No. >> Where do you live? >> I moved upstate. >> Upstate New York? >> Yeah. >> Where uh where upstate? What's your current address? >> My >> So, the issue is with the with the check right now. Uh They stated that they spoke with the name here, Lois. Uh they're reporting the check is stolen. >> It's stolen? >> Or fraudulent. So, it's a fraudulent check. >> I'm so confused right now. I might go to lie. >> So, he gave you the check? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then when I'm guessing on the way here or >> Yeah. >> Okay. And they >> Did you cash it or >> Cash it. >> Did you get the cash here? >> I don't know nothing about it. He's like literally my friend's friend. >> Okay. >> So, what did you do? Did you bring the check down here and >> He gave me the check, told me cash this. I didn't cash it. I know nothing about it. I don't even know. >> I left it here? >> If you left it here, that's so weird. >> That's That's bad. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I'm only I'm only 19. >> No. $7,344. >> Am I in Jersey? >> Yeah. >> You're in Jersey, yeah. >> As far as this teenager went, the cops had a few more questions. And first off, they wanted to know why she came all the way to New Jersey from upstate New York just to cash a check. >> I was already uh >> You can have a seat. >> I was already in Jersey with them, so when >> Where in Jersey? >> I don't really know much about up here. I'm not going to lie. >> Just stand over here by the door. Um So, what were you guys doing in Jersey or >> We I I was just I kind of just got off work. >> Where do you work? >> I work at Dunkin' Donuts. >> What town? >> Up up in upstate New York. >> Up in up there in by Newburgh. And that's the phone number that you guys been contacting back and forth with? Do you have any text messages between each other or No, just phone? >> I barely talked to this >> Okay. And now, how's how's your friend knowing him? >> I don't know. I think I I can't even say anything. >> What these thieves didn't realize is that when you cash a check at a bank, the money's debited from an associated account. So, when a bank in upstate New York is suddenly trying to withdraw over $7,000 in New Jersey, obviously, it would seem very suspicious. >> Do you have anybody else around here or just whoever brought you here? >> Wait a minute. Get the phone with me. What is going on? Look at this map. >> Okay, we can do that later. Stand up. You get that? >> Do you have anything on you? Are you checking your pockets or anything like that? >> No. >> Okay. >> So. You got any ID on you? >> Yeah, Tom's got >> Yeah, there should be a couple guys. All right. We're going to go out to this first car. It's right behind that blue car. All right. Just have a seat in there. There. Be right back. She says it was a white Toyota Camry, about 2012 model. Doesn't know only knows the guy as Eli. Like I'll take the video. Wait. So. She says she doesn't even know. Yeah. >> They arrested the woman and she was charged with felony forgery. On the 25th of March, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida, the cops were called to a TD Bank branch after a suspicious customer, Elliot Garcia, tried to cash a check for $4,000. When the officers got there, the young man had his back to them and the cops decided that they weren't going to take chances. >> 20 fish. >> You can speak to him right now. >> Alonzo. >> Yes. >> 20 seconds. >> It's a lot. I I have Boca Police Department. >> got a room? >> Um. >> I'm going to Alonzo. Send me to Send me to this room. Take him to this room. >> You know the reason, but we'll play your game. >> Just read him his rights real quick. >> Yep. I'm going to talk to >> All right. You're being [clears throat] lawfully detained right now while we investigate a fraud investigation. >> A fraud? >> Yep. >> What kind of fraud? >> Everything will be explained to you. >> I mean >> But right now you're not free to go and you're being lawfully detained. I'm going to read you your rights. All right? Let me ask you this. I'm sure who dropped you off here? >> Uh Uber. >> Uber? So you came by Uber? Okay. So you don't have a car here. >> [music] >> No. >> So no one dropped you off. Okay. >> Why? Why is that the question? >> Um based on my experience from multiple cases that I have worked regarding this somebody always drops you off and as soon as they see our car they take off. So it's always more than just one person involved. >> While the officer read his rights to him, his partner went to the bank teller and got the allegedly fake check. The teller said that when the suspect got there, he said the check was for repair work that he'd done on a house in New Jersey. However, the woman on the phone said that she never wrote a check to [music] him and had no idea who he was. >> Did you mail anything recently out recently? Sometimes what they'll do is they'll they'll take a check like you mailed out and they'll wash it. So did you guys mail anything out recently like a bill? And just And just to confirm, you don't know any Elliot Manuel Garcia and never wrote a check to him. Okay. You live locally here? You live here in Boca? >> No, I was visiting my cousin. >> Cousin? Where you live? >> Uh Orlando. >> Orlando? And you came from Orlando just for the day? >> Yeah. >> You took You took an Uber from Orlando here? >> No, no, no. My cousin that picked me up and stuff, but I actually took the Uber >> Oh, okay. Okay. Remodel? Okay. So you guys flip houses, apartments, stuff that? Where did you get the checks from? In Orlando? >> Uh no, I got them from Uh they were given to me some lady that gave it to me. >> Some lady gave it to you? Just a random lady gave it to you? Oh, who's this lady? >> Our remodeler. Our house. She said she had wrote [music] you a check for you. >> When did she give them to you today? >> Yep. >> Today? >> Like like a week. >> So a week ago? >> No, actually I was I wasn't going to take the checks cuz I don't take checks. >> Okay, but when did she give them to you though? >> Like two three days ago but I had just >> Okay. >> I just wanted to come cash it today cuz we're using to look at the apartments all the realtor used to like cash so >> Okay. >> The man's timeline just didn't make sense. He said that he and his cousin had been in Boca for 2 days trying to find an apartment to flip. The cop wanted to know why it took so long to cash the check given they needed the money to put down on one of the apartments if they wanted to buy it. >> So if you're with your cousin who has a car who picked you up, why didn't you guys go to a bank together? Why do you Uber to a complete different bank on your own? >> Cuz I was looking at the checks in my name. >> I I I understand that but why would you take an Uber when you have somebody that's driving? >> Well, I was going to cash the check put some money in my savings and then go look at the rundown houses and apartments. >> But the whole plan of you coming down was to look at these apartments, right? >> No, we were going to buy and flip. That was the >> But that was the whole plan of you coming from Orlando down here to South Florida, correct? >> Yeah, a lot of houses down in Orlando and >> So I'm just confused. There was no banks anywhere along your way that you could have cashed any checks? Now this is the only bank in in the state of Florida? >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> No, it's not the only bank in the state of Florida. This is the closest to the house that we were looking at. >> But you keep saying we were going to go see but it's just you here. >> As soon as she noticed that the check was from New Jersey, she immediately realized something was wrong. She checked Elliot's account status which showed that on the 10th of March, he had opened two accounts with TD Bank. Neither account had any money in it, which was strange for someone who allegedly buys and flips run-down houses. >> stated that he was doing some work for them that they have a property in Boca Raton even though they live in New Jersey and he was doing some work for them. He also stated that it was from a company and then he switched and he said it was from Susan. So, I didn't feel comfortable so I delayed him or the customer and then called um the police department. >> Listen my man, but the thing is that story is not making sense, bro. I'm just telling you the truth, right? I'm just having a conversation with you. Look, we're just having a conversation. It just It doesn't make sense. You came from Orlando all the way to West Palm. Stayed at a hotel for the last 2 days that you've been staying at a hotel. And you have to come all the way to Boca to cash two checks. So, you you you or how many how many checks were you going to cash? >> I was going to cash >> Oh, so just one check. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, I'm trying to get your story to make sense. You know what I'm saying? Let Okay, let me explain my partner so far what we we have talked about, okay? >> The officer got his partner up to speed on the man's story. They asked Elliot if he knew the woman and he stuck to his story saying he was doing a remodeling job for her in Boca. That being said, the man's story was impossible because the woman didn't own property in Florida. >> She never wrote this check out cuz she still has the check. >> Where is >> At her house. >> I was at the PD if they showed you right there in front of you. >> I'm asking you that question. This This check was written out to you. >> Exactly. That's what I'm trying to figure out right now. >> Do you have her information or you can call her? If you're a client, she's your client, you should call her. I mean, you're working at her house, right? >> I sent a company to her house. I mean, I'm just literally like >> You said you picked up the check. You went to get the check in Jersey. >> Yeah, I picked up that check. >> In Jersey? [music] >> I didn't pick it up though. I got it mailed. >> Bro, no, let's let's go on the phone. We'll we'll put it on the speaker for you. >> What's your phone? I have two phones. That's crazy though. >> So, when I went to We're going to send her a picture of this. So, she's going to confirm this is her signature, right? I mean, my man, you did the work, you got the check. You don't know anything about the check that was given to you? >> No. >> No, okay. >> I mean, you saying that the check is still in Jersey and she wrote it in front of me though. >> So, you went all the way to Jersey to do a construction job? So, what city did you go to do this job? >> The company went over there to do the job for you. >> Okay, so you got paid. >> No, it's not my company. >> So, it's your company. I said a company. >> A company. With every word the man said, his story was just falling apart. By that point, the only thing that could have made it better was if Susan had answered the phone. Unfortunately, she was busy. >> This is your chance to come clean, bro. I already caught you in enough more than enough lies. So, this is your chance to come clean and try to help yourself. If you want to stick to your story, you're more than welcome. But, even the way I explained the story and you confirmed that that was your story, did It doesn't make no sense, my man. Listen, maybe if it was our first day doing this line of work, it might work. And this bank is And you're not our first fraud arrest, you know. >> That's what we did. >> So, who gave you that check to cash? >> I don't know. Someone on the beach told me to do it. >> Is it on the beach? Where? Here or where where you live? >> No, no, no, no, no. Like far away. >> Did you drop your off here? Is the car still here? >> No, it's I'm pretty sure once they seen y'all, they probably been gone. >> They're gone, right? >> Yeah. >> So, you met this random guy on the beach. He told you what, to go in there cash? Because on the March 10th, you open up an account with TD Bank. Is that what he told you to do or? >> No, no. I wasn't going to open up an account but he told me random. He was like, "Blah, blah, blah, TD, blah, blah, blah." >> So, random guy, do you know do you know what city he was in? What beach? Tampa? So, he was in Tampa, you met this random guy on the beach. He told you >> Whatever, whatever it may be going, blah, blah, blah. So, I was like, >> What he couldn't explain was why the man on the beach had sent him all the way to Boca to cash the check. Maybe Elliot had taken it upon himself and thought he could make it back to Tampa before anybody realized they'd been scammed. >> You want to take the fall for everything, it's you. >> Take the fall for everything. >> Yeah, like I said, this was your idea, this is your whole plot. Okay, so whose idea was for you to do this? I did There's no way you just were walking around the beach holding hands or or walking by yourself holding the air and you decided to be like, "Oh, hey, how you doing, stranger? Oh, I can make a thousand dollars, let's jump in your car and let's go to the city of Boca Raton so I can make some money." I highly doubt that's what happened. But if that's the statement you want to stick to, I'll be more than happy when we go in front of the judge to let the judge know that was your statement. So, what happened? >> I was on the beach in Tampa. >> When? >> Two weeks ago. >> Two weeks ago, okay. And then what happened? >> Uh I was just walking. I walked out of a restaurant, some guy was like, "Hey, yo. How old are you?" I was like, "I'm 18 years old." And he was like, "Hey, you trying to make like you trying to make a quick thousand?" I'm like, "Sure." And then once he showed me the check, I'm like, "Four thousand?" So, I'm only getting a thousand dollars for a four thousand dollar check. I'm like, "I don't know." I was like, "You know what?" He'll probably give me more than that. So, I was like, "You know what? I'll just go through with it." Cash the check. You know, whatever he gives, whatever he gives me, he gives. And >> After doing more research on Elliott, a detective arrived. As far as Elliott went, he was 18 years old, and he seemed like a smart kid. So, after hearing his side of the story, she just couldn't believe it. >> Clean. Damn, dude. >> It must have been the last one. >> Huh? No, I mean, like you just need to like This is just something you Like I told you before, you're a teenager. You seem like you know, do you have it? You know. >> Okay, but there's a clean record, so there's no way you >> a clean record. You have a clean record, bro, but like this >> No, no, no. >> I mean, listen, it's like I said, it's not the crime of the century, but you had to know You have to Some of those people you were checking with, these two people being on it and saying, "Oh, go in here and do this." Like, come on, bro. Like >> See, the I did it before, like I did it like a regular employer check. So, I When I didn't have no bank, that's how I would get my money. Like, I would literally go cash it out. >> You are smart. Some random dude in Florida comes to you and says, "Oh, you want to do fraud?" That's wild, bro, that you would even >> The thing >> tell me that that's not like >> be a fast investment, though. That's how That's how I see it, though. >> Okay, well, you would never do it again, obviously. >> Never in my life, ever. >> In the end, they arrested the man, and he was charged with forgery, grand theft, and also fraud. In Florida, an elderly woman had already been scammed twice for a total of $5,000. The scammers then tried again, this time requesting $10,000. She came to her senses and called police, and they set up a sting operation. So, when an Uber driver arrived to collect the cash from her, she was immediately confronted. >> So, um I got the thing it said except I accepted it, and then it said I was picking up in Holly Forest. So, I'm like, okay, well, that's a retirement center thing, like like a retirement community. You know, my grandma lived in there, like can't be nothing bad. So, I picked that up. Um and it was from this elderly lady. And I kind of thought like at first I thought it was weird cuz it was just she was just standing there and I didn't see the box. And um she was like I said, "Well, ma'am, I said I'm not signed up for like Uber like like, you know, where I give people rides." And she's like, "I'm not getting a ride, it's a package." I was like, "Okay, well, that makes sense cuz it said package." I said, "I just seen you standing there, so it just threw me off. I've never This is all new to me." And um she says, "Okay." Well, she hands it to me and she had him him or who whoever on the phone. And then I confirmed the confirmed pick up. And it went it came up to that address that I just showed you in DeLand. And it said uh >> 7 pick up 12. >> It said that it was DeLand. So, I was like, "Well, ma'am, I was like, come back." I was like, "I can't take this package because I can't go to DeLand. Like, I've got trouble with my axles. Like, I'm not going to make it to DeLand." >> According to the Uber driver, the scammers then called her saying they could meet a little closer to the retirement home. The cops didn't think she was in on it, but before letting her go, they had a few more questions. >> I'm so sorry. What am I looking for right now? >> The number that called you. >> Okay, I'm so This is I've never been involved in anything like this before. >> That's okay. >> Okay, so that's the one in the office. That one. Okay, so this is the the one it calls like through like if you do something through Uber, say somebody orders something to the store cuz that's normally what happens. >> Mhm. >> And, you know, say they don't have anything, you can call them, but it goes through like the Uber thing. >> Okay, so it's a phone for Uber to communicate between two people. >> Yeah, it's like a number through >> So, then what's this second number for? >> The second number is um he would he called me through that the first time. And then when I was talking to him, he said um "Do you have your um like another number that I can just text you from when I get to the new location?" >> And where did they give you this address? How did you get over here? >> He gave me that uh He told me to meet him here. He said, "Well, let me try to change it through the app." He goes, "Well, it won't let me change it through the app, but it's giving me a location of the Motel 6 on International." I honestly, I used to work here for 3 years, and I stayed here like 5 years ago. So, I knew where this place was, and I was like, "Okay, well, I'm going to do it up front where all the cameras are because this is like I said, this is I don't normally Yeah, this is it. I normally pick up from a a store to a store. >> While they talked to the man that she met at Motel 6, the cops told the Uber driver to sit tight. After reading him his rights, they asked the man how he wound up at the scene and why he was looking for the sketchy package. >> So, let's start from the very beginning. What happened? >> Basically, I'm walking from my friend's house over to the racetrack to get something to drink real quick. Next thing you know, they're flagging me down. I say, "Yo, what's up?" He goes, "You want to make some money?" Sure, I haven't made no money in a long time. It's been a minute. >> Who's flagging you down? >> It was the people inside the vehicle. I wasn't really looking at them that well. >> What kind of what kind of car? >> Uh it was like I said, a black Hyundai. You see, it might have been a black um Mercedes-Benz. >> Okay. So, a black Hyundai or a black Mercedes? Okay. How many people in the car? >> Uh just him. >> Just him? >> Just him or just a male. Yeah. >> Okay. White, black, Hispanic? What did they look like? >> Black? >> Like I said, maybe maybe 25, 30 years old. >> So, then you get into the car, you get into the back passenger seat. >> Yeah, he drove me up there for a little bit, said, "Here's the evidence." He's using his phone real quick, and then he was gone. I was wondering what's going on, but I'm just minding my own business. I'm just trying to make money. I ain't even doing >> Okay. >> And then from there, like I said, from there, we waited an hour, waited for the lady to call us, and then we went from there, and then he drove me over to the uh the south side of the McDonald's, dropped me off, and then I walked over here. >> Okay. What did he tell you that you were doing? >> I'm just picking up a package. That's literally it. I don't know nothing more, nothing less. He said, "If you pick this up, I'll give you a few hundred dollars." I'm like, "All right, bet." >> I couldn't hear you. >> I said, "If you pick up this package, I'll give you a few hundred dollars." I said, "All right, bet." That's when he told me to do this. I didn't know what was going on. I thought, "Oh, they just want me to got something." And I walked by back. I didn't know nothing. >> Okay. So, you have no idea what's in the box? >> No, I don't. >> Here's how the scam worked. The elderly woman got a call from someone saying they were TD Bank, and furthermore, that somebody was trying to withdraw $32,000 from her account. To catch them, she had to withdraw $5,000 in marked bills. At that point, she'd send them to the scammer, which would help the cops catch them. >> What's your history like? >> Uh clean other than, like I said, going to Georgia and getting caught up with stupid I've been clean my whole life, sir. I've had jobs. I've gone to college. I've I've won I've planned I'm going back to college very soon for accounting. I'm I'm straight everything. Record and [ __ ] Like I said, other than me going to Georgia and getting stupid [ __ ] over by Uh yeah, no. Other than that, everything's right. >> Okay. And you've never met this person. You have no idea who he is. Did he provide you a phone number? >> No, he didn't. >> Did he provide you a name? >> Keith. >> Keith? >> K E I think. Or K E Y. >> Any tattoos? Any logos on the clothing? >> No, I didn't see it. >> Any weapons? >> I don't know. >> The reason why I'm asking you these questions and the reason why you're detained, okay, and why he read you your [music] rights. All right, this is an active felony investigation, okay? >> I don't think it is. >> Yeah, we're talking multiple felonies. Considerable amount of prison time for what is going on. >> Okay. >> Okay? Money laundering, grand theft, scheme to defraud, all right, illegal use of two-way communication device. All right? So, multiple multiple felony charges. So, I want you to be 100% honest with me. Is there anything else that is going on >> [music] >> to where now I need to do something? >> I don't know. >> Or is everything you told me 100% true? >> 100% what I told you is 100% >> So, you have no idea who this individual is? >> No, I got nothing. >> You don't know where they went and took off to? >> No, no, no. >> The suspect, Justin Werrick Velasquez, [music] told the cops that the man had given him a phone to use during the pick-up. Most likely, they knew it was a burner and it wouldn't trace back to anything meaningful. Meanwhile, the cops let the Uber driver go as she truly was innocent. >> Do you have any questions, any concerns? >> I'm just My only concern was after a little bit I started thinking okay, so if that's drugs, then what if it was a And I asked that one guy, I was like, do I need to wash my hands? It's what? >> It's potatoes. It's a dummy box. It's filled with potatoes. >> See, people are strange. I'm saying, like when I first >> it was supposed to be It was supposed to be $20,000. >> Oh my god. >> Okay. Okay. But, it's not $20,000. >> it wasn't kids all over. I touched it and >> You have nothing to worry about that box at all. It's a clean box. It is a completely a dummy. There is nothing in there other than potatoes and plastic. >> The cops gave the elderly woman a box of potatoes so she could give it to the person who came to get the money. If the scammers had opened it, they would have found several pounds worth of Idaho spuds. When he realized he had been caught, Justin's story started changing down at the station. >> What's up? >> I'm going to probably be recording all of this honest. Uh we were I look, I was scared to be taking a van on my life. FB Basically, the person told me that if I don't do this, he's going to be my first. And when we got over here, yes, I I I didn't know what was going on. I I was really curious of what he said. Oh, if anything happens this is what he says. And I'm like, okay, that's it. >> You're talking really fast. I need you to slow down. Take a breath. >> And he basically said, oh, if you're not going to do it, I'm going to screw you over and your sister and your mom and everything. >> They're going to do what? What did they say specifically? >> said they were going to beat me up. I didn't know what exactly they meant by that, but it had me scared. So, I said, all right, just let me do it. >> How did you feel about being threatened physically or mentally? >> I don't know. I guess other people I was scared. I I was trying to back out a bit once he told me everything that was going on. I'm like, I don't I don't want to I'm going to do this and I'm going to leave. >> So, he like told you what his what the plan was like >> He didn't really tell me. He just told me go grab this package and you know. >> What what sketched you out where you were like, >> I would say this when he wanted to drive with the gun cuz I thought he was going to shoot me here. >> What's the area? >> Uh area like Kissimmee area. I didn't know how far we were going out until he said, I'm like, no, I don't want to do this. >> So, he approached you in Kissimmee? >> [clears throat] >> Where exactly in Kissimmee? >> Uh when I was exiting the neighborhood all the way down at the end and then the right and then I walked him past the first apartment complex. He waved me down and said, yo, you want to make some money? >> I thought you met him at the gas station. >> No, I said it in here. I was walking down to the gas station. I I only said that earlier I met him at the racetrack cuz I I was scared. I didn't know I realized I shouldn't have done that. That's why I just put the whole thing I told him to go to the office now. >> Under very intense questioning, Justin finally came clean. He admitted to knowing the man who picked him up at the gas station, but as far as their relationship went, it was the first time the man tried to make him do something like this. >> Okay, what's his name? >> He I don't know. He never really told me his full name. I think it's like Keon. I don't know his last name. Keon Keon T. >> Where is he from? >> Can't say for area. It's not Sanford Lake Mary. He's >> He's actually really careful with this. He will >> I don't want to say he'll drive but he won't ever like show anyone his address. This is what I think this is him with his baby mama last night. >> So, what was the context of him [music] meeting up with you today? >> No, I was saying I was saying I think he was saying that he was he was kind of like coming to pick me >> You said he picked you up? >> Yes, he did. That's what he >> Did he pick you up at the friend's house? >> [music] >> Or did he pick you up while you >> pick me up he picked me up while I was on Netflix streaming. >> That part's true. >> [music] >> Okay. When you get in the car with him, what did he ask you to do? >> He asked me while driving to pick up this package and he wanted to know if I could use your phone real quick for Uber. I said, "Yeah, sure." And he said, "Yeah." He said he'd offer to pay me too. >> And how much were you going to get for just a simple thing? >> $300. >> $300? >> I really needed cheap money. I wasn't working at the time. I was probably going to go get a vape or something, get food. I haven't eaten in a >> After spending several hours with Justin, it was finally time to reveal what was in the box. If he hates himself now, just wait till he sees what's in it and what he just threw his life away over. >> What's in the box? >> I don't know. I don't know what the >> [snorts] >> What were you supposed to pick up? >> I don't know what the [ __ ] this is. I don't I don't even know >> Those are Those are [ __ ] potatoes. >> What? This this makes no sense. Still like I didn't understand whole package situation. This This This doesn't make sense. >> [music] >> So, what were you supposed to pick up? >> I don't [ __ ] know. I really don't. >> Come on now. >> No, I'm being serious with you. I don't know what it was. I was asking him you know what I mean? I don't know what I'm I think and if I was paying attention >> [music] >> I feel like he might have been hinting at something. And supposedly he I to I he have been running cuz whatever the [ __ ] whatever I'm going to go. I don't I don't believe No. No ma'am. >> That's just an FYI. >> They arrested the man and he later played guilty to grand theft. [music] He was sentenced to 5 years probation and had to pay $10,000 in restitution to his victim. >> [music] >> On November 6th, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida, a TD Bank called police to report a potential check fraud. A customer there, Daniel Rodriguez Ponce, was trying to cash a sketchy check worth about $5,000. The teller knew it was a fake check because missing from the check's logo was the K in TD Bank. >> So, he's trying to cash a fraud check. He's got a black shirt, a hat, and blue jeans on. >> And blue jeans on. >> Yeah, we called the the business owner and they said it's not their check. It's completely fraudulent and he's trying to rush us. We stalled him a little bit. He's like, "I really need to go. I really need to go." So, >> Okay. That's the situation. >> We'll go We'll go find out who he is. >> Yeah. >> And uh you don't have a name though, right? You don't know his >> I have his driver's license and the check in the back. >> You do it. >> His first name was >> Uh >> Was it Daniel or Daniel or something like >> Daniel? >> Daniel? Okay. >> Yeah, Daniel. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Last name Ponce, I think. Like Rodriguez Ponce. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay, we'll just have Is there a room or anything we could step into, please? >> You can use my office if you want. You want to use my office? Yeah. >> The cops followed the manager into the bank and they saw Daniel still standing at the counter. They pulled the man aside and immediately searched his bag for weapons and contraband. For everyone's safety, they decided to handcuff the man before asking more questions. >> Just put it down everything. >> Okay. >> Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. >> Yeah. >> What happened? >> Nothing. You're not being arrested. >> That's just a precaution. >> But what I do? >> We're going to explain to you. >> I just want to talk. >> We're going to talk about it. >> What is going on? >> I'll tell you in a second, sir. I want to find out we have what's going on here. Yeah, you didn't do anything wrong. >> Why do you want to arrest me? I don't understand. >> If you have a check >> Right now? >> They paid you I guess to pay me with your check. >> There's a complaint. We have a complaint at [music] the job at the check that you have. There's an issue right now. Okay. >> They gave it to me. That's not my issue. >> Okay. Okay. Let me just check to see you got nothing on you. Let me just check you. >> The officer sat the man down and they read him his rights. The entire time he was acting like he didn't know what was happening or why he was being detained. Let's see what kind of story he cooks up when he's asked by the cops where he got the check. >> Okay. This check right here, tell me where this check came from. >> A a guy paid me and gave me the check. >> Okay. Some guy paid you to get a check? >> Yes. He said to >> Who is he? >> He's a person I I do a work. He gave me the check. >> What kind of work do you do? >> What? What kind of work? >> I do construction. >> Do you have a construction worker? >> I don't know how to explain it, but >> What's that? >> I don't have my company. But I don't know if that was illegal. >> Are you an employee? >> Yes. He's paying me. >> Who's paying you? What's his name? What's his name? >> Do you have Carlos? Carlos, give me the name. >> Let's see your check. And this check right here, this is the check you're talking about? Right here? >> Yeah. Yeah. He gave me cuz he said >> Oh, that's your name on it, Daniel. That's what >> Yeah. Yeah. That's me. That's me. That's [music] me. >> Okay. Is that your name on the check? That's $1,000. Okay. >> I I don't understand what I did wrong. This >> Okay. So, your friend is Daniel. I mean, you're not Daniel. Your friend is Carlos, right? Okay. And you have his information at all? Do you have any information on Carlos? >> I have Carlos's number. >> Sorry? >> Do you have Carlos's phone number? >> Yeah. I can I can call a Jose that is my friend. He has >> He has Carlos's phone number? >> No. No. I don't have his phone number. >> The problem right now is >> [music] >> this check is showing as fake. >> No. That's my personal name. I don't know what I did. >> Okay. >> [music] >> So, we're trying to figure out if they gave a bad check or if if this is a fake check, okay? So, who gave you this check? Carlos gave you the check? Does Carlos work for this company? >> Clearly, the cops had heard that story before. A scammer claims somebody offered them a gig or cashed a check for them. That being said, the scammer never has the person's name or number. If somebody hired you to do construction for them, it'd be pretty damn strange if you didn't have their contact info. >> You're the owner, correct? >> I'm the owner. >> [music] >> And do you also control the accounts payable? >> Yes. >> Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Um Okay, so >> [music] >> um the person that came in today Look at that screen. Let me just get to the picture of the DL here. His name is Daniel [clears throat] Arturo Rodriguez Ponce or Ponce. Does that sound familiar at all? >> No. >> Okay. Fine. And um and you own a home custom building. >> Yes. >> Right. All right. Um and the check number that was [music] uh Where did I write it down here? >> 7284 >> 7284, right. That we have here for $4900. That is [music] not your check, correct? >> No. My that's my check with that check number is in my possession and it's not written It's actually a check. >> Okay. All right. So, it's definitely not your check. Okay. I just wanted to make sure of that. I'm going to give you a call later when we're done with this case. Um he will be arrested and um I will keep you updated, okay? >> Okay. If it's anything like last time, his partner will be waiting in the parking lot in a car, just so you know. >> Yes, and he is gone. Okay. Apparently. >> He's gone. Oh, that was nice. They're good friends. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um yeah. And was it the same It wasn't the same name though, right? Correct? >> No, it was not the same name. >> It was a someone else's, right? said >> it was a different name. >> The cops then talked to the teller who reported Daniel and she said he walked in the bank trying to cash a check for almost five grand. And after examining things further, they found that his account was overdrawn and was over a hundred dollars in the negative. >> And I said, "Oh, you're leaving Miami? What are you doing around here?" He said, "Oh, I work for them. [music] I do a roof." >> Oh, for what? >> For this company. >> The company that's on the check? >> Yes. Correct. And the business address [music] is Boca, right? So, I said, "Um, let me verify." And then I noticed on the check the TD Bank is missing a lot of the K. It was only bank. >> You're kidding. >> And then I was like, "Huh." So, then I called the customer right away to verify the funds. And I look at the system, the database that we have, um, to see [music] if there are other checks that have been cashed in the past. It looks like almost the same. But, you know, I've been doing banking for so many years, I know it's a little shady. >> How many years would you say? >> 23 years. >> Oh my gosh. Okay, so you're an expert. Wow. >> You said that >> he had two other [music] checks. How would that be? Would he have come in and spoke with somebody else? [music] >> He went to the teller cuz this is I I've been doing this for so long. So, for me to try to look at the check, maybe if he gone to somebody else, maybe they don't have the experience that I have. They would cash it. That's why he was able to cash the check. >> So, do you think he came earlier? >> Probably. He went to probably a different location. That's what they do. They go to different locations and cash it. >> Okay. Do you know where >> I can take a look cuz it's in pending. Um, let me see if he cashed it. >> I'm going to give you my card. >> Mhm. >> And you give it to Manny [music] and then you can call me. >> Okay. >> I'll see you outside. >> Yeah, cuz I just saw now that >> Wow. [music] So, he hit the other banks probably. >> Oh, for sure. >> The bank teller gathered lots of information and found that the entire day he'd been bank hopping in Florida cashing his fake checks. Back in the lobby of the bank, the cops wanted to find out who had dropped the man off and who had given him the phony checks. >> So, I do a work for him. Hey, Carlos. >> See, I got that from Jose. >> Recommended you >> to Carlos. >> Recommended me to Carlos. >> Does Carlos work for >> I don't know. They just gave me the check. I don't know if he does either. He didn't give me a phone number. I was with him in my house. And he told me, "Oh, I need to do something." And I said, "Okay, I'll go with you." And then in the car he gave me the check. He left here. And he goes to the >> [music] >> whatever from my book. >> And he's coming back? >> He's supposed to be back. >> [snorts] >> Is the car still out here? What type of car does he have? >> It was a white uh Toyota. >> So, he left and he's supposed to come back? >> Yes, he said he's like he's supposed to be here. But he Now I'm thinking that he's not coming. >> Typically, that's how these bank scams work. A scammer like Carlos hires a pawn like Daniel and tries to cash a fake check. If it does work out, the pawn gets a small cut of it while the scammer gets the rest. But if the cops show up, the scammer takes off and the pawn takes the fall. >> Whoever dropped you off, whoever gave you that check, needs to come back. If not, I'm going to look at the camera and I'm going to go find them. >> The issue that we have is that this is a counterfeit check. >> Yeah, it was him. >> Right. So, what's going to happen is you're going to get charged with that for attempting to cash that. >> That's why I told you to see if you can I told you if you could see if you could get Carlos. >> That's a friend of mine. >> Okay. I know you said Jose's coming. >> Jose is my >> Jose's coming, but Jose didn't write you this check. Carlos did, right? Exactly. So, either Carlos is going to come back or you're going to go to jail. Do you understand? >> I never do something like >> Well, I told you that we can get Carlos to come back. I'm going to walk out here. If he doesn't come back, you're going to jail. >> Nobody was surprised when Carlos didn't come back. Completely out of options, the cops arrested Daniel and led him out to their squad car. That's when the cops found out that he had way bigger problems than check fraud. >> Do you work? US citizen or no? >> No. >> Where were you born? >> I came here for a >> Olympia? What city? We don't think you're a bad person. You just made a bad decision. Very bad decisions. >> They arrested the man and he was charged with two felony counts of grand theft and uttering a forged instrument. On July 28th, 2025, in Niantic, Connecticut, the cops were alerted to a potential bank scam at a local credit union. Previously, she had tried to cash a fake check worth about $400,000. >> Hello, ma'am. How are you today? Good. How are we doing? So, what are you here for today? Do you mind me asking? Nothing? >> Yeah. >> Did you Is here to make a withdrawal? >> No. >> Okay. Are you from here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What part of What part are you from? >> Well, I'm from Atlanta. From New York. >> Oh, from New York. Okay, what are you doing in Niantic today? Do you mind me asking? >> Just hanging out. I was with my boyfriend. >> Okay, what part? Do you mind me asking? >> Here, it's Niantic. >> What's your name? >> Jacqueline. >> Jacqueline? >> But Jacqueline was not her real name. According to the DOJ, her real name was Madison Pennaway and for more than a year now, she'd been trying to steal over half a million dollars. In the summer of 2024, she tried to deposit a fake US Treasury check worth more than $400,000. They refused to take the check, so she came back a year later with a fake ID and tried it once again. >> Give me your last name. We don't. >> [music] >> I'm confused. What's going on? >> Okay, so I think you and I both know why I'm here. Um, there's been a report that's come out from a multiple banks in the area about somebody named Jacqueline >> [music] >> and a photo of you essentially that has circulated attempting to cash some fraudulent checks here. >> Oh, I didn't know. >> Well, so hey, where we're at right now is um, I need to see some identification, okay? >> Okay. >> Okay. Right now, that's getting taken. That's getting taken. Okay, before anything happens with this phone. Do you have ID on you? >> No. >> You don't have any ID on you? Did you show any ID to the teller? Okay. Hey, here's what's going to happen. We're going to take you over now. We're going to go put you in the car. We're going to talk to you, okay? You are being detained, okay? Is that you understand that? >> Yes. [music] >> Okay. Obviously, you have the right to remain silent. You know all the rest, okay? You're not going to take off and run? Okay. Let's walk over to the outside. >> The officer took her outside where he searched the woman and put her in the back of his car. She'd been pretty calm and seemingly cooperative, so he decided not to cuff her. >> What did you come up here today to do? What's that? >> Nothing. >> Nothing? Do you have an account at Charter Oak? >> Yes. >> Okay, you do have an account? >> [music] >> You don't have any license or anything like that on you? Okay. Can I get Can I get your name? I know you have the alias. I'm asking for your legitimate name. >> Madison. >> Madison? >> Yes. >> M a d [music] i s o n? >> s y n. >> s y n, okay. So, here's the deal, Madison. >> Okay. >> Obviously, we were told ahead of time that you were probably going to be coming. That's how I knew who you were. >> Okay. >> Okay. We had a photo of you sent out through banking community. >> Okay. >> When you came in today, they called and told us that you were here. This was something that we were waiting for and anticipating on. I'm if we go through your purse, we're going to find forged checks? >> No. >> Counterfeit checks or fake ID or anything like that? >> You'll find a fake ID, but I I have no checks. I don't have them. >> Okay. >> She told the officers that her boyfriend had dropped her off there. As soon as the cops showed up, he took off. Despite the betrayal, she refused to tell the cops what kind of car it was or what color it was. >> She said there's a fake ID in the purse, so we're going to search that. Like I said, phone, we grabbed it. Hopefully it doesn't have the ability to remote wipe right now. It's in the front. I'll see if she's willing to give consent for it, but probably not. Madison, why is your name not coming back to anything out of New York? >> Cuz you have to have a real one. >> What do you mean? You just told me '94. I wrote it down. I'm sorry, I must have misheard you. >> Try 1995. >> Just write it down. I'll be back. >> Excuse me, can you just confirm your birth year is 1995? >> Madison's with a Y and >> And Madison is spelled with a Y and >> We got two debit cards for Jacqueline Kennedy. Is that what the ID's for? Got a bunch of sing You got candy in here. You didn't tell me about the candy. >> Aside from the candy and the cards, they also found over a thousand dollars in cash alongside Madison's fake ID. According to the DOJ, back in 2024, she had used that ID to open her accounts at Charter Oak. In 2025, she used the same ID to open a second account, which ultimately was when the cops called on that she might try to cash another fake check. >> If If has to pee Hey, there's corporate is looking for the footage of the vehicle that dropped her off now. They're going to come out, give it to us, and we'll send it out to those guys. So >> So, two thoughts. She has to pee really badly. >> She's going to try to secrete the item that she's got She's got the check somewhere on her person. >> She does. That's why I want to have an idea. >> Okay. >> Um I haven't decided exactly >> But I heard you say [music] something about the >> the the route we want to go. If she has to pee, I told her she's in custody at this point. We have the fake ID at bare minimum. >> Yep. >> Um we could hold her as long as we necessarily need to, reasonably. She's got a fake ID. She's already going to be under She's already under arrest, has been read her rights for that. >> Okay. >> She's now explaining how badly she needs to go to the bathroom. >> Okay. >> Could be true. Could also not be. Could be her trying to dispose of the check that she has somewhere on her. She tried to rapidly call her boyfriend, pick her up before I got the rapid phone. We have that. That's secure. Um Well, we're going to take her back to the PA at some point. We're going to have you do do a search of her. If we determine it needs to go further than that, and the chief authorizes it according to policy, we might have her manipulate her clothing, have you manipulate her clothing loosely determine if it falls out. >> A female officer arrived on scene, and the detective there brought her up to speed. They were pretty sure that Madison had the $400,000 check somewhere on her person. They were also convinced that if they let her go to the bathroom, she'd try and destroy it. >> Hello, how are you? >> You guys probably seen us so I'm going to tell you about the car. >> Yeah, yes. >> Um so she comes walking from the left um across the street like where those women are. So from that direction comes over, and then comes down the middle. >> Okay, so it's somewhere down that way. >> Somewhere down that way. When she originally opened the accounts up a whole days, uh she came in a white uh four-door. We couldn't tell if it was a Honda, um but it was parked over there, and there was parked over there. >> Okay. >> Tinted windows. >> I'm assuming it's already boyfriend already tried to call her a bunch. I think it's not his phone, so >> I have an image of uh of the man who came with her the last times. Um I can get you guys an image of her that's fine. >> Okay. We We currently don't have the check physically. It might be somewhere on her. This is what I'm assuming. And she says she's got to use the bathroom pretty badly. Okay. So, I I'm going to be fully honest. If my understanding of the way this thing works is correct, you are probably someone who was grabbed by the po- folks who are perpetrating this whole thing. You are obviously not the mastermind of this. That's all stuff that's important. If you cooperate with us and show us that you're willing to, certainly that's going to be helpful for you. Um, I believe that you have the check on your person somewhere. I am going to have a female search you. So, it would be easier if you have the check hidden or secreted on your person somewhere if you just produced it for us rather than have her have to do the search that's invasive that you don't want to I'm sure you don't want to subject her to. >> Despite the warning, she insisted that she didn't have the check. And if she didn't have the check, then why had she come to the bank? She tried to claim that one of her two bank cards had been deactivated, but according to bank records, as of that very day, both cards were active. >> She's denying and she's giving consent to search her. She's saying she doesn't have the check on her. She just one of the checks that one of the cards just wasn't activated. That's the only reason they're here today. >> Okay. All right. >> So, well, she gave consent to search, so >> Yeah, the female officer can do that. Um, if you get to get the cards your jacket and your debit your debit card can be off your person. >> Yes, so the debit cards were issued to her when she opened the account. >> Okay. >> She used a fake ID. >> We'll do that in the cell block. >> We're taking her in anyway, so >> Cool. >> Officer Benavidez is going to search you, okay? Search you incident to [music] arrest. I know you said you had to use the bathroom. I might tell you to just right now. You use the bathroom, you decide to flush that toilet, I might consider it as obstruction of justice or an interfering. You understand that, right? So, I'm not playing around. If you have it on you, I would let her know right away. Okay? If you have it anywhere on you, let her know now. Like I said, you flush that toilet, you're going to be charged additional charges. Do you understand that? >> Am I clear? >> Clear. >> Okay. Madison, we've been nothing but good to you, you know. >> And I just have to be honest with you. I'm chilling. >> [clears throat] >> I I I get it. I get it and and I get it. All right. We're just going to search you real quick. >> That's fine. >> All right, good. It's a normal search, nothing more. What's that? Okay. >> I don't know what that was yet, but I tried. >> You checked? Nothing there? Okay, good. Okay, you can you can take a seat. >> I'm going to just search you real quick. I know you've already been done once, but I'm going to do it again, okay? Do you have anything on you that's going to poke me, or stick me, or harm me? No? Okay. What about that? Is she going to wear her dress? >> Yes. >> What about the check? Where's the check? You don't have the [music] check? >> She just um put her sweater back on, too. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. Yeah. Are you going to change in this one? >> [music] >> Are you going to wear a bra? I'm going to pull it and I'm going to have you leave for a little bit, okay? So, no check on you? >> No. >> Okay, where is it? You don't know why you bought the check? >> Not long after, federal investigator showed up to talk to her about the scam. They'd been working the case for about a week now. Somebody was making them do it, and the cops wanted to find out who that somebody was. >> You seem like a good person. >> [music] >> You wouldn't be upset crying right now if you didn't have some moral compass. >> Madison, your phone case, does that have a pocket for anything in the back of it? >> No, I didn't. It comes off the phone. It's a regular outfit. >> There's There's there behind that? >> No, you just take it off. >> I take it off. There's nothing >> There's nothing in the case. >> Well, I just I need you to tell me that there's nothing. >> There's nothing. >> Okay. >> You want me to check? >> [music] >> No. >> No. I got to order laces. >> But, there's nothing nothing involving this thing. >> No. >> [music] >> Let me check. It's a good fit. Are you afraid? >> Yeah. >> And what are you afraid of? Are you afraid of what could happen to you because of us, or are you afraid of what could happen to you from somebody else? >> [snorts] >> Have you been arrested before? What have you been arrested for? Well, right now we're we're just charging you with forgery second. Like the officers who processed your arrest will let you know. But, obviously that's just specifically on today. Um you know, there's other issues at play here, and that's what these folks are looking into. So, whether or not there's anything locally that we could charge you with, I'm not sure. That's why we're all trying to see where this conversation goes. Otherwise, it you know, could It's could just mainly be their investigation going forward. >> Ultimately, she was indicted for bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If they find Madison guilty, she could be facing over 30 years in prison. On the 20th of April, 2023, in Tamarac, Florida, the manager called the cops after seeing a possible fraudulent transaction. The customer in question, a man named Stefan Boleg, had deposited what appeared to be four fake checks, and he'd almost gotten away with it before the manager called the error. >> Sir, how you doing? So, what's the purpose? I'm just going to Turn around. That's his ID? Okay. Okay. So, video. [music] Um I'm going to have detectives come out here. I'm going to go ahead and start the whole process. >> The cops led the man outside, where they searched him before they put him in the squad car. At that point, somebody was making them do it, and the cops wanted to find out who that somebody was. >> What's your name? I'm Officer Flores. We're holding you for safety until we investigate what's going on. You're not being arrested yet. But you're being detained. Do you know the difference? Arrested like we know you're going to jail. >> All right. >> Detained is like we just have to investigate what's going on. So, you might You know what I mean? What do you do for a living? What do you do for a living? >> I don't work. Yeah, I used to work at Target. >> Where do you work at Target? >> I was a clerk. >> You don't work anymore? >> No. >> Now, listen. What's going on? >> I was going to say I I just opened up a bank account. And I came to pay the parking. My car was stolen. And I was talking to the lady, and she told me the transaction actually is >> As they waited for the lead investigator, the cops asked the young man a few more preliminary questions. He didn't have a job, and yet somehow, he obtained these checks worth $12,000. Back inside, the cops then talked to the bank employees trying to find out if they made [music] contact with the victim. >> Do you have the information on the victim? >> Uh yeah, I can read you that. >> Okay, we need that. >> talked to them and they're the ones that told that confirmed that it's fraud. I Yeah, you can bring out I mean, I'm going to bring a bunch of other stuff. >> So, my So, my question is the previous case that you guys talked about, do you have that case number? Cuz you said he previously tried to do this at a different >> Him? >> That's what >> We tried to We tried to open an account with him, but we were busy. We didn't do it. >> We didn't do it. >> So, we did it online. >> Yeah. >> And he told me that he did all of these things, but it's all fraud. They You know, that fraud ring that's going on right now. He knows it's fraud. That he did all of these. So, I asked him, "Well, what did you do at the casino? Why did you send all this money out?" He's like, "Oh, you know what you do at the casino." So, I had him verify, "You did this, you did this, you did this, you did this." He's like, "Yeah, I did everything." So, then I asked him, "Where'd you get these checks from?" Cuz it happens to be an an our account holder, so I can pull it and I can research it better. All right, so then I called that account holder and they're like, "No, we Those are not our checks. They're not They don't look like they're checks. The signatures don't match." He's like, "It's fraud. I want to press charges." So, then we called you guys. >> According to records, Stefana deposited four bad checks totaling $12,000 into his account. At that point, he went to the casino and withdrew the money as cash advances. As for the checks, they belong to a local medical practice, and it's unclear how the man obtained or forged them. >> You talked to Sergeant, right? >> Yeah. >> You give him that heads-up on I've already called Maldonado. She's on her way. >> Okay, she worked on Saturday too. >> There's only one case. There's no two cases. There's only one case, and then they want to prosecute. So, I've already got the information, they're grabbing it, and then the mom and all that comes out here and whatever so. >> Stephon was arrested and they charged the man with grand theft, defrauding a financial institution, and another charge of fraud. On the 6th of September, 2023, in Hillsborough County, Florida, a man walked in to a Wells Fargo bank branch wearing a hot pink shower cap. He gave a note to the teller and it said he had a gun. He demanded money, but the teller refused. At that point, he fled the bank on foot and vanished in the haze of the Florida heat. >> Hi. I'm okay. >> All right, so this is the lady you want to talk to. She was on the phone with him so >> Will somebody tell me what happened here? What what happened? >> So, um around 1:00 >> Yeah, you can. Around 1:50, 1:55, I came around to do my interview on my 20 >> trying to interview a teller and there was a person standing right here. >> Uh-huh. >> Um skinny um male uh shower cap, sunglasses, um and then I continued walking this gentleman >> Black male or white male? >> Black male, skinny >> [snorts] >> dark pants, pink shirt >> [music] >> Okay. >> Uh shower cap >> Uh-huh. >> and black glasses. >> Okay. >> Um this gentleman you can talk to him after I'm done with you. He actually [music] spoke with him directly and then she ended up being the one that took care of him here at this window. >> According to the bank teller, the note said, "Give me all the money in all three drawers." It also warned the teller to not press the emergency button and it said he was carrying a weapon. >> Is there a button that you pushed the button? >> Yeah, of course. >> Okay. >> I automated >> So, um >> We didn't get a call from that. We didn't We just now got it. It's That's what I'm trying to figure out why. Yeah, no, no. So, we had 20 minutes. Yeah, we didn't even know about it. >> And I told him Yeah. And I told him, "Do you need water? Do you need a bathroom?" Just trying to confuse him. >> What was the last place that you saw him, anybody? >> He just walked away to this >> He went that way? >> Yeah, because >> So, nobody saw him beyond that car. >> There was CCTV footage, and it showed him standing at the counter, but the shower cap and his mask and glasses covered up the man's face. They were hoping some of the locals might give them some leads. >> Did you happen to see a black male or black female come through here at all? Okay. Did you happen to see a black male or black female come through the area? >> [groaning] >> No? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I just >> Oh, you're Are you fine, man? You're not doing anything wrong. >> Okay. >> Hey, have you seen any activity back here in the woods at all? Hey, sorry to bug you. You seen anything suspicious around here? Have you seen anything suspicious in the last few hours? You seen a a black skinny gentleman around here? No, nothing? >> They were starting to suspect that before he fled the area, the man had ditched the pink shower cap. They fanned out all over, hoping to find someone who matched the description. Suddenly, one of the cops thought he found a lead inside a convenience store. >> I probably seen him go. >> [snorts] >> The cops stayed with the young man and pretended to help him pay for his food, but in reality, they were trying to get more information out of him, trying to find out if he was the same skinny kid who just tried to rob a bank. >> What's your name, buddy? I'm trying to help you out. What's your name? Nothing happened. Trying to help you out. Is your mom over there? You want to You trying to get her to help you with your Get your sandwich and all that? Oh, okay. Okay. >> [snorts] >> She get hungry, she get sick? She has like a medical thing? Or she just don't like getting angry, like we talking like angry or we talking like sick? What's your name, man? I'm That That mean he been asked. What's your name? All right. you hurting me? >> [laughter] >> What do you call me? What do you have on your phone? Do you have a phone? Uh, no. >> Please wait for a representative. >> They don't want to put me on the phone. They don't want to put me on the phone. >> He identified himself as Jaquan Frazier and insisted [music] that he was just trying to buy food for his sick mother. The cops weren't born yesterday and noticed the card he was using belonged to a woman named [music] Teresa Wagner. He said that was his mother, so that meant he was either lying about his name or he was lying about the car. >> How do you spell your last name? That card's not yours, okay? So, we're not going to That's a female's name. It may be your mom, but Yeah, that card didn't have your your name on it. Here's how I spell >> Yeah, it is. How do you spell Is your last name f r a? f r e c i e r? And your first name? j a q u a n? >> What happened? >> You are in possession of a car that does not belong to you. It's not your name on it. You're not in trouble, per se, but we can ver- we have to verify that. Do you understand? >> This is not going to take you to verification. >> I can't >> Is that the Panera? >> Yeah. >> I don't have anybody with a last name like spelled like that. So, you're a juvenile? >> 16 going on 17. >> 16 going on 17? And what's your birthday? October 1st? So, if you're 16, you'd be born in 2005? >> 6. >> 2006? >> Well, yeah, 6. >> Yeah. Spell your name again for me. >> J A Z I E R F R E Z I E R >> Okay. It was time to figure out how the man had gotten those four fake checks. To confirm his story, they drove him right across the street where his mother, [music] Teresa, was waiting outside at a table at Panera Bread. >> Is this your son? Is this your son? >> Yes. >> Is this your son? >> Yeah, this is my son. >> He got in trouble. He got the Walmart >> Yes, his car don't even work. Oh, okay. >> You trying to get him some food? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Now, the reason we stopped him is to ask him a couple questions. We had a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo literally at the right by the light. >> A bank robbery? >> It was a bank robbery. It was a black >> He robbed the bank? >> No, not him. >> Oh, okay. >> So, we seen him on camera. We've been reviewing camera all day. We've seen him walking down 6th. I guess there's like a neighborhood back there. >> Yeah, it is. >> That's where y'all live? >> Yeah. >> Is it an apartment or a house? >> Uh one of the houses. Um it's a house down on the on the quiet end. >> Okay. >> Yeah, and then my storage unit is out this way, too. >> You got a storage unit? >> Yeah, I have a unit. >> Is it a public storage? >> Public storage. It's a >> Okay. 17 18 is mine. >> This subject Do you know that person? >> What in the hell? >> That's That's That was my son. >> Why is he wearing that? >> I was you can't see Have you seen anybody by the storage unit? Cuz that's where they went walking walking towards by that storage unit wearing a bonnet. >> I've been sitting up here. You can ask Shannon. We've been sitting up here pretty much all day. Today is my day off, so I came up here and I ate earlier. And um I left my car must be off. I got to cut it back on. >> You didn't bring your phone with you? >> Yeah, you were there. >> Oh, okay. Um what in the world? >> A few days later, CCTV cameras in the area tracked the robber's movements. As things turned out, the 16-year-old was, in fact, the robber. They arrested the young man, and he was charged with attempted bank robbery and making written threats during a robbery. From check fraud to elder abuse, none of these teenage scammers cared about who they hurt as long as they got their money. Thankfully, though, the cops didn't let them get very far.