HOBE SOUND CONTRACTOR ARRESTED AFTER ALTERING CLIENT’S CHECK, STEALING BLANK CHECKS
Martin County, Fl- A Hobe Sound man who was hired to do some contracting work for two local women was arrested. He was charged with Forgery and Grand Theft on a Person over 65,. This was after he altered a check he received from his clients adding $6,000 more to the amount written. 45-year old Girolamo “Gino” Brancaccio of Hobe Sound was arrested on a warrant after the victim’s bank flagged the altered check and notified the victims. The check was issued to Brancaccio for $11,600. He changed the amount to $17,600 when he attempted to deposit it. Before the victims were able to address that crime, Brancaccio had already forged and cashed two of four blank checks he stole for the victim’s home. Those checks, in the amount of $17,100 and $9,800, were cashed at a local beverage store.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is urging all citizens to thoroughly screen all contractors that come in to your home. Never leave valuable items like blank checks or jewelry in an area that is accessible to guests. Always keep an eye on your bank account. Call the Martin County Sheriff’s Office if you believe something is not right with a financial transaction such as this.
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