Police Dismantle Check Fraud Ring Tied To Nearly $200K In Counterfeit Deposits

SMITHFIELD — Smithfield Police have arrested four individuals following a months-long investigation into an elaborate counterfeit check-cashing operation involving fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks.

According to authorities, the suspects are accused of participating in a coordinated scheme that involved mobile depositing forged Treasury checks using manipulated identity information. The ring is believed to have targeted multiple financial institutions, with a confirmed total of 29 counterfeit checks deposited, collectively valued at $199,787.72.

The investigation began after risk management personnel at the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) identified irregularities in a series of check deposits at a local SECU branch. SECU staff preserved key evidence and alerted law enforcement well before the checks were returned as fraudulent.

Although the deposits initially passed verification through the U.S. Treasury Check Verification Application, police said the tool is limited in scope and does not verify the names printed on checks — a vulnerability the suspects are believed to have exploited.

Of the nearly $200,000 in fraudulent deposits, SECU has successfully recovered a substantial portion. However, authorities say at least $84,179.32 remains unrecovered. Other banks are also believed to have been affected by the scheme, though their losses have not yet been determined.

Smithfield Police have formally charged the following individuals in connection with the case:

• Trayvon Mangum of Goldsboro
• Terrence Brunson of Spartanburg, S.C.
• LaBrawn Dublin of Smithfield
• Alecia Johnson of Smithfield

Detective Lieutenant C.M. Blinson confirmed that additional suspects have been identified and will face charges in the coming weeks.

The investigation remains ongoing.