The Pinehurst Police Department has charged a South Carolina man with five felony offenses following two separate investigations involving forged checks and the theft of thousands of dollars from Pinehurst residents.
Dominique Holman, 31, of Columbia, South Carolina, was identified as a suspect in two investigations involving checks that were fraudulently negotiated without the victims’ knowledge or authorization, the Pinehurst Police Department announced.
Throughout the investigations, Pinehurst detectives extensively reviewed financial records, obtained and executed search warrants, analyzed banking transactions, and examined surveillance footage. Working with financial institutions, detectives traced the fraudulent transactions and identified Holman as a suspect in both cases.
Investigators determined that the checks were negotiated using different methods, including an in-person transaction at a financial institution and an electronic deposit through a mobile banking application. The financial and electronic evidence gathered during the investigations helped establish probable cause and obtain arrest warrants.
On Oct. 20, Pinehurst detectives coordinated with South Carolina law enforcement to locate Holman and serve outstanding arrest warrants. Holman later contacted investigators and arranged to surrender voluntarily in Moore County.
On Oct. 21, Holman surrendered at the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, where he met with a Pinehurst Police Department detective. During an interview, Holman admitted his involvement in both fraudulent transactions and provided information regarding how the checks were obtained and the potential involvement of additional individuals.
Holman was served with the following felony charges:
Two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses
Two counts of uttering a forged instrument
One count of forgery of an instrument
Holman received a secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Moore County court on Nov. 12.
Both investigations remain active as detectives pursue additional leads and determine whether other individuals were involved.
“The Pinehurst Police Department encourages residents to regularly review their financial accounts and promptly report suspicious or unauthorized transactions,” said the police department in a press release. “Anyone who believes they have been a victim of financial fraud should contact their financial institution and local law enforcement.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud, the Pinehurst Police Department also offers Silver Shield, an initiative focused on fraud prevention, education, and resident assistance. The program includes a dedicated helpline at 910-420-1654, where residents can leave a message regarding suspected scams or fraud-related concerns. Department personnel monitor messages and provide follow-up assistance and guidance.
All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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*Contributed photograph/article
