'Guilty,' Jury Convicts Dutchess Man In 'Check Washing' Scam

CARMEL, NY — A jury has convicted a Poughkeepsie man in connection to a complex scheme to "wash" and forge checks.

Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy announced that 29-year-old Tahmel Gordon, of Poughkeepsie, was convicted by a jury of two counts of third degree attempted grand larceny, four counts of second degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and one count of fifth degree conspiracy. His weeklong jury trial was held before the Honorable Justice Joseph Spofford, with sentencing scheduled for March 11.

Gordon was arrested on November 20, 2023, after the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and the Carmel Police Department found that Gordon and three others traveled to the Hudson Valley Credit Union branch in Mahopac, and to the Hudson Valley Credit Union branch in Carmel, where they tried to cash forged checks. Bank tellers and members of law enforcement determined that the checks had been "washed," and were written in the amounts of $8,700 and $7,600.

Gordon was captured at the scene, where he was then found to have four additional fraudulent, "washed" checks.

Evidence at trial showed that in the days leading up to his arrest, Gordon planned and coordinated the attempted thefts and conducted internet searches of the bank locations and the names of the account holders. He also sent text messages showing his intent to commit these offenses on November 20, 2023.

"We have seen a spike in these check fraud schemes in our county," Tendy said. "Criminals will steal checks from mailboxes and 'wash' the amount from the checks, insert a new amount often for thousands of dollars, and then attempt to cash those checks at the bank. The criminals are often from out of county, and the intended victims are often senior citizens. They should know that when we catch them, we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law and request the maximum amount of jail time."

The district attorney thanked the civilian witnesses involved in the case for their cooperation, and the Carmel Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for their efforts in catching, investigating and assisting in the conviction of Gordon.

"The Putnam County Sheriff's Digital Forensic Unit was particularly helpful in gathering evidence that led to Gordon's conviction," Tendy said.