FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Three individuals have been arrested in connection with an identity theft scheme at Gate City Bank in Fargo.
Joel Rodriquez, Alisha Magar, and Aerige Majhi are facing charges for conspiracy to commit unauthorized use of personal information. Rodriquez and Magar are also charged with forgery.
The investigation began on Monday, November 11, when Fargo Police observed Rodriquez in a parking lot at 712, 23rd Street South. A black Toyota, registered to Magar and Majhi, approached him, and after a brief interaction, the vehicle drove away. Police followed Rodriquez to the Cashwise parking lot, where they observed a hand-to-hand transaction between him and Magar. Shortly after, the Toyota left, and 20 minutes later, Rodriquez drove to Scheels Home and Hardware.
Police apprehended Rodriquez after a short foot chase, during which they found a checkbook belonging to “Bruce Fell” in his possession. Further search of his vehicle revealed two blank checks, one for $175 made out to Rodriquez and another for $200 made out to Majhi.
Later that evening, police were called to Gate City Bank on 13th Avenue South, where they found Majhi and Magar attempting to cash a $180 check from Fell’s account. When contacted, Fell denied knowing any of the suspects.
Rodriquez, Magar, and Majhi now face serious charges in connection with the identity theft and forgery scheme.
