A Connecticut bank’s fraud department alerted police to suspicious activity in June, starting an investigation that authorities say uncovered more than $33,000 in fraudulent withdrawals involving stolen identities and forged documents.
Thomaston Savings Bank contacted Thomaston police on June 18. Detectives then worked with the bank, Watertown police, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department during an investigation that continued for nearly three months.
Police arrested 25-year-old Hartford resident Bryan David Sheriff on September 9. He faces first degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first degree larceny, trafficking in personal identifying information, first degree identity theft, first degree forgery and making a false statement to obtain a payment card.
WFSB reported that Sheriff was held on $250,000 bond pending his arraignment. Police also said an arrest warrant remains outstanding for a second person accused of participating in the scheme.
The Bank’s Fraud Department Started the Investigation
The case began when Thomaston Savings Bank’s fraud department contacted police on June 18 after identifying suspected fraudulent activity.
Thomaston detectives worked with the bank, Watertown Police Department, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department as they investigated the transactions. Authorities have not publicly detailed what each agency uncovered during the investigation.
Police say the case ultimately involved more than $33,000 in fraudulent withdrawals.
The Charges Include Identity Theft and Forgery
Investigators have not publicly released a transaction-by-transaction account showing whose identities were used, how the forged documents were presented or how each withdrawal was completed.
Sheriff’s charges include first degree identity theft, first degree forgery and trafficking in personal identifying information, along with a charge of making a false statement to obtain a payment card.
He also faces first degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first degree larceny. Police have not disclosed the individual amounts associated with the transactions that make up the more than $33,000 total.
A Second Suspect Is Still Wanted
Sheriff was taken into custody on September 9 and held on $250,000 bond pending his arraignment.
Police said an arrest warrant remains outstanding for a second person accused of participating in the scheme. Authorities have not publicly identified that person in the available reporting or detailed the alleged co-conspirator’s role.
The charges against Sheriff are accusations and have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
What to Do if You Find a Bank Withdrawal You Did Not Make
Thomaston Savings Bank advises customers to contact the bank immediately if they discover identity theft, fraud or compromised banking information, including a stolen account number, checkbook, debit card or electronic banking credentials.
The Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov similarly advises people who discover identity theft to contact the fraud department of the financial institution where the fraud occurred. Depending on what information was compromised, consumers may need to close or freeze affected accounts and change account logins, passwords and PINs.
Anyone who finds an unauthorized withdrawal should preserve bank statements and transaction records showing the activity and review other accounts for anything they do not recognize. IdentityTheft.gov also recommends checking credit reports and placing a fraud alert when stolen personal information could be used to open additional accounts.
Identity theft can be reported through IdentityTheft.gov, which creates an FTC Identity Theft Report and a recovery plan based on the information that was misused. Keeping copies of bank correspondence, police reports and other records can also help when disputing fraudulent transactions and documenting the theft.