Man Tries To Cash U.S. Treasury Check With Fraudulent Passport ID: PD

RIVERHEAD, NY — A man was arrested recently after he tried to cash a United States Department of the Treasury check with a fraudulent passport identification card, police said.

According to Riverhead Town police, the incident took place on Friday, May 10 at about 9 p.m. at the Walmart store on Old Country Road in Riverhead.

Riverhead police officers responded to Walmart and when they arrived, the unknown man attempted to flee the location on foot; he was apprehended and detained by responding officers before he was able to enter a nearby waiting vehicle, which then fled the area, police said.

Michael T. Richards, 34, of Elmont, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree identity theft, a felony; one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony; and obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, police said.

Richards was processed on the listed charges and held for arraignment in Riverhead Town Justice Court, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone that may have any information is asked to please contact the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential.