Waterbury, CT – A Connecticut woman turned herself in to authorities Thursday, Feb. 27, after investigators linked her to a check washing scheme involving the Essex Yacht Club.
The suspect is identified as Soniah Thompson, 28, of Waterbury. She surrendered to Connecticut State Police at Troop F in Westbrook, where she was arrested on larceny and forgery charges.
According to the state police, the charges stem from an investigation launched earlier this month.
Authorities allege that Thompson altered a check originally issued by the Essex Yacht Club to a local vendor.
The police confirmed that the check was manipulated to reflect a higher dollar amount before being cashed at a bank in Old Lyme, bearing Thompson’s name. The exact sum involved has not been disclosed.
State police obtained an arrest warrant following their inquiry.
Upon surrendering, Thompson was taken into custody without incident. She was processed and charged under Connecticut General Statutes with fourth-degree larceny (CGS 53a-125) and third-degree forgery (CGS 53a-140).
The charges indicate that investigators believe the financial loss falls within the statutory threshold for fourth-degree larceny, which in Connecticut applies to thefts valued between $1,000 and $2,000.
Forgery in the third degree involves falsely altering or completing a written instrument with intent to defraud.
Officials did not provide details on how the check was washed, but such schemes often involve the use of chemicals to remove ink, allowing the perpetrator to rewrite payment details.
Following her arrest, Thompson was released on a $15,000 court-set bond. She is scheduled to appear at New London Superior Court on March 13. It remains unclear whether she has retained legal counsel.
Check fraud schemes have been on the rise across the country, with law enforcement warning businesses and individuals to monitor their financial transactions closely.
Officials have not disclosed whether additional suspects or accomplices are being investigated in connection with the Essex Yacht Club case.
Court records related to the case were not immediately available. Authorities have urged businesses to implement safeguards to prevent similar incidents, such as using fraud-resistant checks and monitoring bank activity for unusual transactions.
No representatives from the Essex Yacht Club or the affected vendor have commented publicly on the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may emerge as Thompson’s court proceedings unfold.
