News Summary

Authorities in Providence have arrested several individuals, including Charnay Brown and Jarrod Smith, in connection with counterfeit check bank fraud schemes. The investigations uncovered a network of fraud that involved creating bogus checks and defrauding banks out of significant sums. This ongoing case reveals the complex methods being employed by criminals to exploit the financial system. Federal authorities are actively pursuing leads to ensure accountability among those involved.

Providence Residents Arrested in Multiple Bank Fraud Schemes Involving Counterfeit Checks

Providence, Rhode Island – A series of arrests have been made in connection with multiple bank fraud schemes that involve counterfeit checks. Among those apprehended is Charnay Brown, a 26-year-old woman, who surrendered to authorities on charges including bank fraud, conspiracy, and the use of fraudulent checks exceeding $1,500. Brown was arrested around 9:45 a.m., processed, arraigned, and subsequently released, pending a court appearance in the Third Division District Court.

In a related case, Jarrod Smith, a 43-year-old man from Providence, has admitted in court to a conspiracy aimed at defrauding banks by creating and depositing tens of thousands of dollars in bogus checks. During proceedings, Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, detailing his role in using stolen checks to produce fake documents. He deposited these fraudulent checks into bank accounts of recruited individuals, then withdrew the proceeds shortly thereafter. Smith is set for sentencing on August 19.

Edmilson Rodrigues, a 26-year-old man, was also arrested, caught with stolen checks, tools for fishing mail out of mailboxes, and equipment to tamper with checks. Rodrigues is no stranger to legal troubles, having previously pleaded guilty in 2020 for involvement in a counterfeit check scheme and possessing an extensive criminal history. Federal authorities became involved after communications on Rodrigues’s phone revealed sensitive information, including state IDs and bank PIN numbers.

A subsequent search of properties associated with Rodrigues uncovered a range of incriminating evidence, including blank check stock, approximately $36,000 in stolen checks, a check-washing station, and other tools that facilitate fraudulent activities. He has been charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and possession of stolen mail. Due to the substantial evidence against him and his history of committing crimes while under supervised release, he was ordered to be detained by Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.

Additionally, investigations have indicated that multiple individuals, including Terrance Richardson and various local bank employees, were allegedly involved in a network that created and deposited counterfeit checks, successfully defrauding banks of large sums of money. The conspiracies generally involved recruiting accomplices to deposit fake checks in exchange for compensation, enabling them to withdraw significant amounts shortly after deposits were made. Reports have suggested that these operations utilized stolen checks and bank account information from both businesses and individual victims.

This ongoing investigation highlights the growing issue of bank fraud and the sophisticated methods being employed by criminals to exploit the financial system. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and pursue additional leads, ensuring accountability for those involved and working to prevent such fraudulent activities from occurring in the future.

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Additional Resources

• Patch: Providence Bank Fraudster Surrenders to Cops
• ABC 6: Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Bank Fraud Using Fake Checks
• Turn to 10: Providence Man Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Scheme
• Boston Globe: RI Man Edmilson Rodrigues Charged Again with Bank Fraud
• Google Search: Bank Fraud

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.