Man charged with trying to cash stolen checks
By ROGER ADKINSVIENNA - A Marietta man has been arrested for attempting to cash stolen checks at a city bank.
Vienna police officers arrested Guy P. Renda Jr., 27, Marietta, on two counts of uttering after an incident Tuesday at Advantage Bank, 1500 Grand Central Ave., said Chief Steve Stephens. Renda also was charged with being a fugitive from justice from Delaware County, Ohio, he said. He is being held in the North Central Regional Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.
Stephens said Renda allegedly cashed two stolen checks, one Monday for $575 and one Tuesday for $400. Vienna officers were called to the scene Tuesday after Renda cashed the check, which belongs to Robert Mason of Marietta. Stephens said Mason is an acquaintance of Renda's.
Mason called the bank to report his checks stolen when he learned his accounts were overdrawn. After it was reported, the teller Tuesday quickly realized what was happening and bank officials notified authorities. Stephens said the victim and the bank staff deserve accolades for their quick thinking.
"It was nice that the victim reported it pretty quickly. The tellers were very observant, as well," Stephens said. "They were aware that this individual may try to cash additional checks. Lo and behold, he showed up. They held up the transaction until we could get there."
Renda was at the bank's drive-up window when cruisers arrived on scene, Stephens said. Renda was attempting to leave when officers pulled him over in the bank parking lot.
Stephens said this incident is a good example of why individuals should guard their financial information and documents. In this case, the checks were stolen by an acquaintance of the victim, he said.
"You have to be careful, even with acquaintances, around your personal finances. They can obtain your checks or anything that can facilitate identity theft," he said.
In another incident, Barry D. Boice of Vienna reported being the victim of a recent identity theft, Stephens said. It appears someone obtained his credit/debit card information and made purchases. That investigation is continuing, Stephens said.
Stephens said identity theft, fraud and similar crimes are on the rise, especially in light of tough economic times and the holiday season.
"It can happen anytime, anywhere. With the economy the way that it is, people are getting desperate," Stephens said.
