Nipissing West OPP have arrested a suspect in connection with a fraud case involving the double presentment of cheques, where the same cheque was deposited twice.
Last November police launched an investigation after a business reported several instances of cheques being deposited twice. Through a production order and further investigation, officers determined that 18 cheques had been fraudulently processed a second time, resulting in a loss of approximately $12,000.
On October 2 Stephane Descoteaux, 32, from West Nipissing was arrested and charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- 18 counts of fraud under $5,000
- 18 counts of obtaining credit by false pretenses or fraud
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay today.
Intentionally depositing a cheque more than once is considered fraud under the Canadian Criminal Code, say police. Fraud is a serious criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment.
