Memphis Residents Alarmed by Recent Check Fraud Arrests

News Summary

Memphis is reeling from two disturbing cases of check fraud that have led to the arrest of two men. Zeric Lawrence and Deandre Bogard are facing serious charges, shocking the community and prompting calls for heightened vigilance among local businesses. With ongoing investigations into their fraudulent activities, residents are reminded to be cautious and report any suspicious transactions.

Memphis on Alert: Two Men Nabbed for Check Fraud!

In Memphis, the recent spate of check fraud has led to the arrest of two individuals, each involved in separate cases of forgery and theft that have left many residents both shocked and concerned. The cozy neighborhood is grappling with the realization that such fraudulent activities can strike even local businesses and institutions.

Fraudulent Checks Lead to Arrest of Zeric Lawrence

First on the scene is 29-year-old Zeric Lawrence, who found himself in handcuffs after being nabbed on January 13, 2025, due to an outstanding warrant related to theft of property and forgery. Lawrence allegedly took a bit of a gamble last June when he deposited two forged checks amounting to an impressive $14,811.04, all originating from a company named BML INC.

According to investigators, Lawrence managed to withdraw nearly half of the whopping sum before the checks were discovered to be counterfeit. It was reported that BML INC confirmed these checks were never part of their legitimate series and, in fact, had been replicated using an online means. What’s even more astonishing is that Lawrence had never even been an employee at BML INC! His actions subsequently led to First Horizon Bank suffering losses of approximately $6,801.10.

The High School Scam: Deandre Bogard’s Fraudulent Move

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Deandre Bogard stands accused of his own set of fraudulent dealings. On May 24, 2024, Bogard allegedly cashed a check from White Station High School for a staggering amount exceeding $19,000. To add a twist to the story, the check had been created using the school’s activity account!

As the investigation unfolded, Carrye Holland, the principal of the high school, stepped in and filed a police report just a few days later, on May 28. It was noted that Bogard had never attended the school, raising red flags among the authorities. The fraudulent check even bore a misspelled name of the school, a small detail that didn’t go unnoticed. Investigators were able to trace Bogard’s connection to the fraudulent check through his Regions Bank account, which shockingly had not reported any identity theft claims.

Brandon Bethune: The Altering Artist

The story doesn’t end there; Brandon Bethune, a 30-year-old man, is also facing serious charges of forgery and identity theft. He allegedly pulled a fast one by altering a check that was initially meant for Prudential Insurance. Instead of the intended amount of $173.90, he made it $15,210.10, pocketing the difference for himself.

This crafty act caught the attention of investigators when the victim realized that someone she didn’t know had deposited the altered check through an East Memphis Regions Bank ATM back on October 16, 2023. Unsurprisingly, she raised the alarm immediately since she had never authorized any payment to Bethune.

Court Dates on the Horizon

As it stands, both Bogard and Bethune are scheduled to make an appearance in court at an unspecified date. The legal proceedings will be closely monitored by the community as they hope for a swift resolution to these troubling cases.

These incidents serve as a reminder to everyone in Memphis to stay vigilant and informed. With technology constantly evolving, so do the methods of individuals with nefarious motives. Always be cautious, double-check your transactions, and report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately!

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Additional Resources

• WREG: MPD Man Creates Counterfeit Checks
• Fox13: 19-Year-Old Charged with Defrauding White Station High School
• KAIT: Memphis Man Accused of Cashing Multiple Fraudulent Checks
• NewsNation: Man Charged with Forging $15K Check
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Check Fraud