Crime & Safety

NPD Make Arrest After Fraudulent Check Scam Across RI

The following arrests were reported by the Newport Police Department. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

A 24-year-old man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly tried to cash a fraudulent check for $2,475.53 at Newport Federal Savings Bank, located at 100 Bellevue Avenue. Marquis Wise-Harris, 24, 152 Harvard St., Dorchester, MA, was charged with passing counterfeit bills, a felony.   

The bank told police between Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov 9, 18 fraudulent checks totalling around $31,000, were cashed at Newport Federal Savings Banks throughout Rhode Island. All the false checks were from Saccucci Auto Group, including the check held by Wise-Harris.  A teller recognized the fraudulent check from the previous incidents, and called 911, said police.  

Wise-Harris allegedly told police the check arrived in the mail and he knew it was "stupid" to try to cash the check. He allegedly said, “I should have listened to my gut.”  

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Other Arrests 

  • Perry JP, 20, of 72 Academy Ave. Apt. #1, Providence, was arrested Tuesday around 2:15 p.m. on charges of shoplifting. He allegedly tried to steal $42.81 worth of clothes from Walmart. 
  • Jose Medina, 40, 195 Admiral Kalbfus Rd Apt. #17A,  was arrested Tuesday around 7 a.m. on a warrant charge. 

 


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