Dennis R. Magnotta, a 69-year-old man from Mount Vernon, New York, was arrested in Holly, Michigan, on charges of participating in a large check fraud ring operating across Michigan and several other states.
Magnotta attempted to exchange a forged check for cash at a Holly bank last Friday. Bank staff recognized him from a fraud alert issued by the bank’s corporate office, which detailed his involvement in similar fraudulent activities. The staff confirmed that the transaction method and Magnotta’s information matched the fraud alert.
Upon his arrest outside the bank, police discovered a fake out-of-state driver’s license and a forged check in his possession. Authorities suspect that Magnotta is part of an organized fraud ring responsible for similar crimes across the U.S.
Magnotta was arraigned in Oakland County District Court on Monday, facing charges of forging a driver’s license with intent to commit a crime and uttering and publishing. He could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted. Magnotta remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail on $100,000 bond, awaiting a probable cause conference on January 3.
Police also revealed that Magnotta has an extensive criminal record, including felony convictions for sexual assault, fraud, counterfeiting, and identity theft in New York and Rhode Island.