Executive Summary
- Jay Johnson, 50, of North Carolina, was arrested in Boscawen, NH, for his alleged role in a multi-state bank fraud scheme using forged passports.
- Johnson admitted to police he was part of a larger operation and was allowed to retain 10% of any successfully withdrawn funds.
- The FBI, New Hampshire State Police, and the U.S. State Department have joined the investigation to probe the broader criminal enterprise.
- The suspect faces charges in multiple New Hampshire jurisdictions, including Boscawen, Salem, and Merrimack, for incidents at several banks.
A North Carolina man was arrested in Boscawen, New Hampshire, earlier this month in connection with a multi-state bank fraud scheme that authorities believe targeted several financial institutions. The Boscawen Police Department has engaged the FBI and New Hampshire State Police to assist in a broader investigation into the operation.
The Arrest and Charges
Jay Johnson, 50, was taken into custody on November 4 after allegedly attempting to use a forged passport to cash a check at a Franklin Savings Bank branch in Boscawen. According to court documents, Johnson admitted to investigators that he was part of a larger criminal enterprise. He stated he was transported from out of state with fraudulent identification and was permitted to keep 10% of any money he successfully withdrew.
In addition to the Boscawen incident, Johnson faces identity fraud charges in Salem and Merrimack. The investigation, which began on October 2 in Salem, revealed a pattern of activity. An individual, later identified as Johnson, attempted to access account information at a Pentucket Bank branch but fled after a teller noticed discrepancies with his passport. He is also alleged to have successfully withdrawn $700 from a Franklin Savings Bank customer’s account in Merrimack, with other successful withdrawals reported in Bristol and Tilton.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The arrest in Boscawen occurred after bank tellers recognized Johnson from a law enforcement bulletin and alerted the police. He was found in possession of multiple passports. Due to the use of forged federal documents, the U.S. State Department has also joined the investigation. Officials from the targeted banks, Franklin Savings Bank and Pentucket Bank, declined to comment on the specific amounts withdrawn but emphasized their commitment to customer security.
Mr. Johnson is currently being held at the Merrimack County Jail as the investigation continues. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.