LEXINGTON, S.C. – Lexington County deputies have arrested three people, while three others are wanted in connection to a scheme featuring stolen and forged checks, and fraudulent bank accounts.
“Our investigation into the scheme started during a Jan. 26 traffic stop on a stolen vehicle,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “The deputy found checks that appeared to be forged and numerous debit cards inside the car. We eventually determined they had been stolen from mailboxes.”
Deputies worked on the case with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to Koon.
“We worked together to uncover a scheme that started at the end of 2020 where the suspects were depositing stolen and forged checks into fraudulent bank accounts.” Koon said. “These bank accounts were in the names of more than 20 people who had no idea their identities had been compromised.”
Rachel Dawn Elizabeth Hayden (above left), 20, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, financial transaction card theft, criminal conspiracy and a drug charge, according to arrest warrants.
Cathy Lynn Sayman (above middle), 21, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, forgery and criminal conspiracy, according to arrest warrants.
Christopher Stokes Shealy Jr., 23, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, financial transaction card theft, forgery, criminal conspiracy and a drug charge, according to arrest warrants.
David Alan Payton (above left), 20, Joshua Keith Shanklin, 25, and James Elbert Tindall, 22, are wanted on charges associated with the scheme, according to Koon.
“Anyone who knows where Payton, Shanklin and Tindall might be should share that information with us through Crimestoppers,” Koon said. “You can use the Crimestoppers app or website to share those tips with us.”