WISCASSET, Maine —
Three men from New York are facing multiple felony charges after authorities uncovered what they believe is a coordinated fraud and scam operation targeting banks in Lincoln County.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Wiscasset Police responded to First National Bank around 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 following a report of attempted fraud. Investigators say a man attempted to impersonate a legitimate customer using stolen personal information displayed on a counterfeit military identification card.
The suspect tried to withdraw $6,700 from the victim’s account but left the bank after failing to correctly answer security verification questions. Police noted the man was wearing a white leather jacket, carrying a cane, and using an earpiece—items commonly associated with organized impersonation fraud schemes.
Authorities later determined the same suspect had attempted an identical transaction at a Boothbay Harbor bank approximately 30 minutes earlier using the same victim’s account details.
After sharing surveillance images with nearby agencies, officers spotted the suspect entering a black SUV near a bank in Brunswick. Brunswick Police conducted a traffic stop and identified the occupants as George Mendez, 66, Miguel Molinar, 35, and Leigh A. Jackson, 34, all of Brooklyn, New York.
Police say the men were found in possession of multiple fake identification documents, including counterfeit passports, military IDs, and state-issued licenses. Investigators also recovered handwritten notes containing sensitive customer information, suggesting additional victims may be involved.
All three men have been charged with theft by deception, misuse of identification, and criminal conspiracy. They were transported to the Two Bridges Jail, where each is being held on $10,000 bail.
