MATTAWA — Over $9,600 is the estimated total damage caused by a recent string of fraudulent check cashing in Mattawa.

The checks were stolen from Columbia Orchards and Sonrise Orchards, and began popping up around Mattawa, Desert Aire and Royal City in February. The thieves attempted to make the stolen checks appear to be payroll checks explained Mattawa Police Chief, Joe Harris.

But when checks started bouncing back, businesses then caught on the rising problem and worked together to address the situation and immediately notified the police department.

“The businesses did a fabulous job,” said Harris. “They were integral to our investigation.”

With the help of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and local businesses, the Mattawa Police Department recently announced that they have identified three potential suspects: Oscar Bravo, Rene Garcia, and Gerardo Sanchez. 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Mattawa Police Department at (509) 762-1160 or email police@cityofmattawa-wa.gov.

Business are now taking precautions in accepting checks, and are also working with the Mattawa Police department to come up with further preventative measures. Suggestions of checking thumbprints along with I.D. has been one idea that they will be considering.