An ongoing check fraud ring in Dutchess County involving fake paychecks led to the arrest of an Ulster County man. Help is needed as police believe similar crimes have occurred.

Detectives from Dutchess County arrested 23-year-old Tyrell R. Barker on Nov. 15 and again on Wednesday. The Highland man, who also lives in Brooklyn, was charged both times with criminal possession of a forged instrument and grand larceny, felonies.

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department has been conducting an investigation into an organized check fraud ring operating in and around Dutchess County, which has involved fictitious payroll checks being deposited or attempting to be deposited into accounts at a local bank, police say.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department is expected to file similar charges against Barker for alleged similar incidents in the Town of East Fishkill and City of Poughkeepsie.

Barker was arraigned in the Town of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond for the first arrest and $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond for the second arrest. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 5.

The police investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected, authorities say. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Town of Poughkeepsie Detective Division at 845-485-3670.

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