A Buena Vista man has been arrested for fraud and theft and another person is being sought.
On October 1st, The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to multiple fraudulent checks that were being cashed at a local Salida bank. After meeting with bank officials, a Chaffee County Deputy was asked to return to the bank as the suspect was currently there trying to cash another fraudulent check.
The suspect was identified as 59-year-old Anthony Plese. Plese was taken into custody at the Chaffee County Detention Center. His vehicle was later searched and evidence was found that suggested there may be other victims. Plese was booked on criminal possession of a financial device, 13 counts of forgery and 12 counts of theft.
As the investigation continues, a second suspect has been identified, 48-year-old Holly Lewis, also of Buena Vista. It is alleged that Lewis worked on Plese’s behalf, befriending several local residents, some considered a- risk adults, leading to access of their property. It is further alleged that she would then steal the victim’s checks that Plese would then try to cash.
As of Oct. 11th, there is an arrest warrant for Lewis for the charges of criminal possession of a financial device, 13 counts of forgery, 12 counts of theft, and 2 counts of crimes against an at-risk adult. If you have any information on her whereabouts, you are asked to contact the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office at 719-539-2596
