Check fraud case may stretch across WNY

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - The confession of a woman State Police say was cashing forged checks may be indicative of a fraud plot stretching across western New York.

Workers at the Check Express in Alden became suspicious of a woman cashing checks, and when they questioned her, she took off. Troopers caught up to 27-year-old Britany Benway of Rochester and say she was in possession of a forged check and a NYS driver's license that was not in her name.

Troopers say Benway confessed to passing forged checks, adding that a man from the Rochester area drives her and other women around western New York from Jamestown to Rochester cashing forged checks.

Benway was arrested, charged with three counts of second degree possession of a forged instrument, first degree identity theft, fourth degree grand larceny, fourth degree attempted grand larceny, and first degree scheme to defraud.

After being arraigned, Benway was taken to the Erie County Holding Center on $25,000 bail.

Police continue to investigate, and anyone with information or similar checks are asked to contact the State Police in Clarence at 759-6831.