A Hartford man and two men from New York were arrested on Sept. 15 and face multiple charges.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police have arrested three men that they observed engaged in suspicious activity, and all face fraud-related charges connected to check-washing and mail theft.

In an email Tuesday, Capt. Dan Moffo said members of the department’s Community Support Unit observed the occupants of a blue 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe – that had license plates that didn’t match the vehicle – engaged in suspicious activity on South Main Street on Friday, Sept. 15, at approximately 12:22 p.m.

Police followed when the vehicle pulled into the parking lot next to TD Bank at 143 South Main Street, and inside the vehicle officers observed burglary tools, and also found numerous “washed checks” as well as an improvised device that is used for the. illegal process of fishing items out of mail drop boxes.

Police said they also found stolen credit cards in the vehicle, and one of the occupants also in possession of a stolen credit card and altered money orders.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Jeremiah Casey-Santos Moyer-Washington, 19, of Hartford, Kimani Donte Peters, 26, of Bronx, NY, and Jayvan D. Topping, 28, of Bronx, NY. All three were arrested on the following charges: possession of burglary tools, four counts of first-degree forgery (one for each stolen/altered check), criminal attempt to commit fifth-degree larceny (for attempting to use the stolen debit card and altered money orders at TD Bank), four counts of sixth-degree larceny, criminal attempt to commit third-degree identity theft (for attempting to use a victim’s bank information to obtain money), criminal attempt to commit illegal. use of a payment card, conspiracy at possession of burglary tools, four counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery, conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny, four counts of conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree identity theft, and conspiracy to commit illegal use of a payment card.

In addition, Moyer-Washington was charged with misuse of plates and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

All three were initially assigned $50,000 surety bonds.

Moyer-Washington was released and is and due to be arraigned in court on Sept. 28. According to online court records, Peters, who had previous outstanding charges of larceny and conspiracy, remains in custody and is due in court on Oct. 17. Topping’s bond is currently $20,000 and he remains in custody pending an Oct. 17 court date.

Police ask that anyone with information about this incident or other similar incidents call the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or email [email protected].

West Hartford Police have also provided some tips in the image below which can provide protection from check-washing.

West Hartford Police Department

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