Cohoes man arrested for alleged check cashing scheme

COHOES, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- New York State Police reported the arrest of a Cohoes man on Thursday, November 14, for allegedly running a check cashing scheme. Troopers said Thomas L. Bishop, 37, is facing multiple charges.

Troopers said an investigation began on July 27 into reports of a fraudulent check organized crime operation when they found Bishop arrested on July 26 by Waterford police for an unrelated crime during a traffic stop. Waterford Police found and seized multiple identifying documents, checks, check-making materials, and more in his car.

Police later learned the checks and other items were stolen. After another investigation, Bishop is accused of intercepting mail and other stolen items with personal information that officials believe he allegedly planned to use to make fraudulent checks.

Albany Police Department found and arrested Bishop, who was arraigned in Waterford Town Court before being turned over to the Waterford Police Department for a related open warrant. The Waterford Police Department, U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, and Albany Police Department contributed to the investigation.

Charges

• Fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property
• Seven counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property
• Five counts of third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification