FRAUDELENT CHECK CASHING SCHEME AT PIERRE PART BUSINESS

FRAUDELENT CHECK CASHING SCHEME AT PIERRE PART BUSINESS
TRICIA LYNN CORTEZ

NAPOLEONVILLE – Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reports the arrest of Tricia Lynn Cortez, 32, of 21430 Jon Michelle, Zachary, LA, on felony charges related to a recent fraudulent check cashing scheme in the Pierre Part area.

On August 5, 2020, detectives commenced an investigation into counterfeit checks being cashed at a Pierre Part retail outlet.

Detectives determined that a number of checks drawn on local businesses had been illegally produced and cashed as payroll checks at the business.

Through a lengthy investigative process, a number of suspects were identified including Tricia Lynn Cortez.

Tricia Cortez was located this week and found to be incarcerated in the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail on similar charges.

On Wednesday, Cortez was transported to Assumption Parish and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of:

*Forgery
*Bank Fraud
*Monetary Instrument Abuse
*Theft – Under $1,000
*Fugitive – St. Helena Parish

Tricia Lynn Cortez has a bond set at $31,000.

Last week the following suspects were arrested in connection with the scheme:

-Garrett Hopwood, 26, of 22741 Brittney Renee, Zachary, LA

– Anthony Vega, 36, of 12946 Tannehill Lane, Walker, LA

Warrants remain outstanding on:

– Alvin Johnson, 36, of 7603 Oakmount Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

– Sarah White, 34, of 15335 Seven Pines, Baton Rouge, LA

All face felony charges.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Alvin Johnson and Sarah White are urges to contact the Detective Bureau at 985-526-1627.

For additional information concerning this News Release, contact Sheriff Leland Falcon or Public Information Officer, Lonny Cavalier at 985-369-7281.