Waldys Javier Portes-Andujar, left, and Franklyn Miguel De Mesa.
Courtesy of the Butler Township Police Department
BUTLER TWP. — A second person charged in a cash checking scheme that targeted a business surrendered on Thursday, Butler Township police said.
Police say Waldys Javier Portes-Andujar, 26, of Hazle Township, turned himself in and was arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, theft, and receiving stolen property.
Franklyn Miguel De Mesa, 26, of Hazleton, was charged with his alleged role on Aug. 10.
Police said they initiated an investigation in July after an audit of Abby Road Control Inc, of Butler Township, discovered counterfeit checks had been drawn on the company’s business account. One counterfeit check was cashed, while two attempts to cash other forged checks were declined.
A review of the company’s records identified De Mesa as the person whose account received the proceeds from the counterfeit check, police allege.
During an interview with police, De Mesa admitted to participating in a money laundering scheme, police say.
The ongoing investigation allegedly identified Portes-Andujar as the second person who participated in the money laundering scheme with De Mesa.
Police allege the proceeds from the scheme were distributed among De Mesa, Portes-Andujar, and an international source.
De Mesa is also facing charges of criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, theft, and receiving stolen property. De Mesa was released on his own recognizance when he was arraigned on Aug. 10, while Portes-Andujar was jailed for lack of $10,000 bail.
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