Two Suspects Arrested and Authorities Still Seeking One in Connection with Stolen and Forged Checks Case in Southwest Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana – Two suspects have been arrested and authorities are still seeking one in connection with a stolen and forged checks case in Southwest Louisiana.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported on March 30, 2023, that in August and September of 2022, the CPSO Financial Crimes investigators received many complaints concerning checks left in the blue U.S. Postal Service drop boxes being tampered with and fraudulently deposited into accounts that do not belong to the intended payees.

Detectives were able to identify three suspects who were believed to be involved during the investigation: Marcus D. Hafford, Jr., 23, of Kountze, Texas, Danna P. Saldierna, 20, of Houston, Texas, and Alexis M. Watler, 28, of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Subsequent research found that Hafford met people on social media and induced them to provide him with their bank account details in exchange for money. Hafford would then deposit the stolen and altered checks into the accounts of people he contacted through social media. The account holders would pay half of the money to the suspects in cash or via electronic funds transfers.

CPSO detectives obtained arrest warrants for Hafford, Saldierna, and Watler between January and March 2023. On February 7, detectives apprehended Saldierna, and on March 13, detectives apprehended Hafford; both were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with prohibited activities racketeering; theft ranging from $5,000 to $25,000; and illegal transmission of monetary funds. Hafford was also charged with forgery on two counts (one of which was a separate warrant for a separate incident). Saldierna’s bond was set at $70,000 by Judge Derrick Kee, and Hafford’s bond was set at $61,500 by Judges Clayton Davis and Tony Fazzio; Hafford was later released.

Investigators are currently looking for Watler, who is wanted for racketeering, theft ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. Her bond was set at $70,000 by Judge Derrick Kee. Authorities are asking that anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the CPSO at 337-491-3605.

The investigation is still ongoing, with the support of the United States Postal Inspectors Office.

Authorities indicated that more arrests are likely, according to the Postal Inspectors Office. Detective Steffan Weekly of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is the principal investigator in these instances.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.