Calcasieu Parish, LA – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) has reported the arrest of two individuals involved in a scheme that exploited residents by stealing outgoing checks from mailboxes. This investigation, which began in December 2024, focused on several reports of checks being stolen and altered before being cashed.
CPSO detectives from the Financial Crimes Division discovered that many victims were placing checks in their mailboxes for outgoing pickup to pay various bills. Once stolen, these checks were altered to change the payee and payment amount, allowing the suspects to cash them fraudulently. The investigation revealed a disturbing trend where homeless individuals in the area were allegedly being utilized by the suspects to cash the altered checks at banks in Lake Charles and Sulphur.
In a collaborative effort involving CPSO, the Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD), and the Sulphur Police Department, detectives identified Anthony B. Hardy, 38, from Decatur, Georgia, as the individual providing the altered checks to those cashing them. Surveillance footage showed a white Toyota Camry involved in the thefts. Further investigation traced the rental vehicle back to Lequita Q. Johnson, 36, also from Decatur, Georgia.
On January 7, law enforcement officials made contact with Hardy and Johnson while they were in the Camry. After discussions with CPSO detectives, both were arrested and subsequently booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. They each face multiple charges, including forgery, bank fraud, and theft. The bond for both suspects was set at $105,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio.
Currently, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and Sulphur Police Department are investigating over 20 related cases, and authorities anticipate that further arrests and charges may follow as the investigation continues. Detective Edward Curol from CPSO is leading this ongoing inquiry.
As law enforcement agencies work to resolve this case, community members are reminded to be vigilant about their mail and to report any suspicious activity around their mailboxes.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.