Deer River ( trfnews.i234.me ) – Authorities in Deer River say a forged check case quickly escalated into a high-speed pursuit and multiple felony charges on September 12th. According to court documents, the case originated when a local bank reported a suspicious transaction to the police.
Staff reported cashing a check for $2,950 made out to Kobey Chaney of Ellenwood, Georgia. After he left, the bank learned the check had been forged from a Grand Rapids business account. Not long after, another man, identified as Caden Opland of Duluth, arrived at the bank and attempted to cash a similar forged check. Police detained Opland at the scene.
Chaney, who had reportedly dropped Opland off, drove past the bank and fled when officers attempted a stop. The pursuit reached speeds of 100 mph along Highway 2 before Chaney abandoned his vehicle and tried to escape on foot. He was arrested a short time later.
Investigators say Chaney had multiple stolen checks at the time of his arrest. He now faces felony charges of offering a forged check, possession of a stolen check, and fleeing law enforcement. His passenger, identified as Casey Lee Horton of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was also charged with felony counts of offering a forged check and possession of a stolen check. Opland faces a felony charge of offering a forged check.
The case highlights growing concerns about financial fraud schemes targeting regional banks. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible. For more information on check fraud trends, visit the FDIC Consumer News.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
