Missing New Haven Woman from Last Year Arrested for Bank Fraud in California
A woman previously reported missing in New Haven, Connecticut, has been apprehended in California and faces multiple charges, including identity theft and bank fraud. Carleen McGeachie, 42, was arrested alongside two New York residents, Richard Logan, 33, and Heaven Richards, 25, after their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme targeting financial institutions in the Bay Area.
According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects were followed by detectives for several months as they traveled nearly 3,000 miles to California. They were taken into custody last week while allegedly attempting to execute bank fraud at multiple locations throughout Sonoma County. The suspects now face serious charges that include bank fraud, conspiracy, grand theft, and identity theft, as reported by various news outlets.
McGeachie, Logan, and Richards are currently being held in custody, with McGeachie’s bail set at ,000. They are scheduled for a court appearance soon, as stated in online records. Authorities indicated that the group was part of a coordinated effort to defraud several financial institutions in the area, highlighting a concerning trend of organized bank fraud schemes.
In the aftermath of their arrest, law enforcement officials conducted a search of their hotel room in Vacaville, California. This investigation uncovered more than ,000 in cash, along with various items linked to identity theft, including counterfeit identification cards and credit cards. This evidence has further solidified the allegations against the trio, suggesting a significant network of criminal activity.
While police confirmed that McGeachie is also a resident of New York, they noted that she had been reported missing from Connecticut. Her family had not seen her since September 4 of the previous year, when she was last seen on Frontage Road near the New Haven town line. She was officially reported missing by local authorities on November 11, 2022.
Following her recent arrest, the New Haven Police Department verified her identity as the missing person from their earlier investigation, effectively closing her missing persons case. As of now, McGeachie’s family has opted not to make any public statements regarding her apprehension or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. This case underscores the complexities involved in addressing identity theft and fraud, with law enforcement continually adapting to the evolving tactics employed by criminals.
In light of these events, authorities remain vigilant in efforts to combat financial crimes, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
