Re: Arrest Made in Series of Forgeries On 15 January 2015 the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested Michael Washington (pictured wearing black windbreaker), 54 of 150 Peeler Street in Covington after uncovering a series of “con games” to pass forged checks. Washington has been charged with 2 counts of Forgery and Criminal Simulation related to multiple cases where checks were fraudulently stolen or received after Washington professed to be a pastor needing funds. During the investigation detectives exposed the “con game” resulting in checks being cashed on several church bank accounts in Shelby County. Washington was allegedly using other aliases to include “Reverend Michael Washington, Melvin Smith, Melvin Washington, Michael Wayne Washington and Michael Calvin Washington”. Washington was arrested for three (3) Covington Police Department forgery warrants related to checks passed at two Covington businesses. Washington had been freed on bond through a local bonding company. The check used in the posting of the bond was later reported as fraudulent. The bond was revoked through Tipton County General Sessions Court. Washington was arrested on 08 January 2015. While in custody, Washington claimed to have information on a potential plan to rob and murder a local businessman in Mason for cash. On 13 January 2015 Washington cooperated with authorities and Eemeal King, 30 of 121 Jamie Lynn Cove in Covington was later arrested for Burglary and Burglary of An Automobile. While detectives, investigators and special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were conducting an undercover operation with Washington’s assistance, the investigation revealed there was no plot to kill the business owner but confirmed and witnessed the burglary of the Mechanic Shop and a vehicle located at 53 Highway 70 in Mason. King was arrested and later interviewed by detectives. King admitted to his role in the burglary and theft. King and Washington remain in custody awaiting their arraignment in Tipton County General Sessions Court in February. Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to work closely with the Memphis Police Department, Bartlett Police Department and Covington Police Department and additional charges are anticipated. “Due to the Agencies working together this con game was quickly uncovered. By working together we can continue to do good work for the citizens of Tipton County.” Added Chief Buddy Lewis, Covington Police Department “Detectives feel that more stolen or forged checks may be circulating in Shelby and Tipton County. Washington who dresses in a suit and tie, to play the part of a pastor, has successfully taken advantage of area churches and the generosity of the congregations after manipulating several victims into believing he needed funds to pay the utility bills for a church.” Stated Sheriff Chumley “If anyone has information in this case, please call the Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300, Central Dispatch after hours at 901-475-4300, phone in tips at 901-475-3307, email tips to Sheriff@tiptonco or Facebook Sheriff J.T. Pancho Chumley.”
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:21:17 +0000
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