A 62-year-old South Carolina man was arrested Wednesday following a months-long investigation into a series of stolen checks, alleged forgeries, and fraudulent transactions in Pinehurst, according to the Pinehurst Police Department.
The investigation began after residents reported checks stolen from their mailboxes. In several cases, detectives determined the recipient’s name, check amount, or both had been altered before the checks were cashed or deposited.
As additional reports came in, detectives identified similarities among the cases and connected Tyrone Livingston, 62, of Columbia, South Carolina, to seven incidents in Pinehurst through financial and banking records, surveillance footage, identification records, and other evidence, police said.
Detectives also executed multiple search warrants to obtain financial and transaction records. Those records further linked Livingston to the alleged cashing or depositing of altered and forged checks, according to police.
Arrest warrants were obtained for Livingston, charging him with three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, one count of attempted felony obtaining property by false pretenses, three counts of felony forgery of an instrument, and four counts of felony uttering a forged instrument.
Livingston was arrested Sept. 30 and served with the outstanding warrants.
“Once again, our officers and detectives have shown tireless dedication in pursuing those who would prey on our citizens,” Pinehurst Police Chief Glen Webb said. “I am proud of the effort and time they have put into these investigations. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.”
Police encouraged residents to take precautions when mailing checks or other financial information. When possible, residents should use a secure mail drop-off location and regularly monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Pinehurst Police Department.
All charges are allegations, and Livingston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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