CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Seven people are accused of altering stolen checks in a massive bank fraud scheme.
Sayon Bestman is one of the accused and pleaded not guilty Tuesday in court.
A federal indictment said the group stole mail from collection boxes at four local post offices.
Impacted post offices:
- 6241 South Boulevard in Charlotte
- 8429 Ballantyne Parkway in Charlotte
- 206 North Wilson Street in Rock Hill
- 172 Williamson Road in Mooresville
Dyawne Gross drops off his mail at the South Boulevard location.
"It's kind (of) surprising that people are putting that effort into stealing," Gross said.
Investigators said stealing the checks was just part of the scheme.
From August 2018 to June 2019, investigators said the group changed the name of the payee and the amounts on business and personal checks.
(Bestman)
Investigators also said after altering the checks, the group falsified identification documents, including driver's licenses.
According to court documents, the goal was to flip the money into cash before the banks noticed. They created accounts at BB&T, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union and PNC because officials said they knew the company's deposits would be insured.
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In total, the group stole more than $150,000.
"It just amazes me that people put that kind of energy into it," Gross said. "I mean, you got to get the check, erase somebody's name off it, that's not a simple feat. Then put your name on it, open a bank account. $150,000? That's not really worth it.
Bestman is facing a few charges, including bank fraud. If convicted he faces a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a $1 million fine.