Poughkeepsie man convicted for ‘check washing’ scam in Mahopac and Carmel

CARMEL, N.Y. – A Poughkeepsie man is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of passing so-called “washed” checks— checks where existing ink has been chemically removed ("washed") and replaced with fake information in a scam to steal from the account holder. 

In a press release, Putnam County DA Robert Tendy said a Putnam jury had convicted  29-year-old Tahmel Gordon of Poughkeepsie on 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.

Gordon was arrested on Nov. 20, 2023, after an investigation conducted by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Carmel Police Department revealed that he, along with three others, traveled from Poughkeepsie to  Hudson Valley Credit Union branches in Mahopac and Carmel Hamlet and attempted to cash forged checks at each branch. The amount of these checks—which the bank tellers and members of law enforcement determined had been “washed,—were written in the amounts of $8,700 and $7,600. Gordon was apprehended at the scene, where he was then found to be in possession of four additional fraudulent, “washed” checks.  

Evidence revealed at Gordon’s 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 indicating his intent to commit these offenses on Nov. 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.”  

Tendy thanked the civilian witnesses involved in this case for their cooperation, and the Carmel PD and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for their “tireless 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.  

Gordon’s week-long jury trial was held before Justice Joseph Spofford. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Breanne Smith and Assistant District Attorney Luciana Savone. 

Article courtesy of Putnam County District Attorney's Office