Five Buffalo women involved in forged check scam

New York State Police have arrested five Buffalo women connected to a forged and fraudulent check scheme in Warsaw. 

Police say their actions and participation resulted in the theft of over $22,000. 

An investigation into the matter was launched last February when police received a complaint from the Institution Steward at Attica Correctional Facility, as well as the Five Star Bank in Attica relating to a large number of forged checks.

The suspects were issuing the forged checks on the Inmate Spendable Account and depositing them into a number of bank accounts, according to the report.

Cash was then being withdrawn by the Buffalo residents. 

Charges for the five women are as follows: 

• Brionna D. Drewitt, 20 of Buffalo, NY was arrested for Scheme to Defraud 1^st, (class E felony), Conspiracy 5^th, (class A misdemeanor), and two accounts of Grand Larceny 4^th (class E Felony)

• Searra T. Mallory, 19, of Buffalo, NY was arrested for Scheme to Defraud 1^st, (class E felony), Conspiracy 5^th, (class A misdemeanor), Grand Larceny 3^rd (class D Felony) and Grand Larceny 4^th (class E Felony)

• Phillesha L. Jackson, 23, of Buffalo, NY was arrested for Scheme to Defraud 1^st, (class E felony), Conspiracy 5^th, (class A misdemeanor), Grand Larceny 3^rd (class D Felony) and Attempted Petit Larceny (class A Misdemeanor

• Jonysha M. Richardson, 22, of Buffalo, NY was arrested for Scheme to Defraud 1^st, (class E felony), Conspiracy 5^th, (class A misdemeanor), Grand Larceny 3^rd (class D Felony), Attempted Petit Larceny (class A Misdemeanor) and Attempted Identity Theft 1^st (class E Felony)

• Treshanique T. Moore, 21, of Buffalo NY was charged with Hindering Prosecution 3^rd (class D Felony)

All five surrendered themselves to State Police in Warsaw. They were arraigned in Wyoming County Court and will re-appear on January 11.