FAIRFIELD TWP., N.J. — Alejandra Almanzar, 21, of Guttenburg, and Ethan Mendez, 19, of Palisades Park, were arrested Monday for allegedly attempting to cash a fraudulent check at a TD Bank in Fairfield Township.
According to the Fairfield Township Police, officers responded around 1:24 p.m. on Feb. 22 after bank employees reported a woman attempting to cash a $1,750.11 check that had been flagged as fraudulent.
Almanzar reportedly claimed she arrived alone in a black Cadillac Escalade, but surveillance footage showed her exiting the passenger side of the vehicle before entering the bank. Officers located the vehicle in the lot with Mendez inside. Mendez allegedly denied involvement.
Both suspects were arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. The Cadillac was impounded for further investigation.
Almanzar was later released pending her initial court date at the Essex County Courthouse. Mendez remains in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility awaiting his first appearance.
Police officials emphasized that all charges, including forgery, bad checks, theft by deception, and conspiracy, are allegations until proven in court.
