A South Carolina man faces 11 felony charges following a months-long investigation into stolen and altered checks in Pinehurst, according to the Pinehurst Police Department.
Tyrone Livingston, 62, of Columbia, South Carolina, was arrested Sept. 30 after detectives linked him to seven incidents in the village, police said.
The investigation began after residents reported that checks they had placed in their mailboxes had been stolen. In several cases, the recipient’s name, the check amount or both had been changed before the checks were cashed or deposited, according to police.
As more incidents were reported, detectives identified similarities among the cases. Police said investigators reviewed banking and financial records, surveillance footage, identification records and other evidence to identify Livingston as a suspect.
Detectives also obtained financial and transaction records through multiple search warrants, which police said further connected Livingston to the cashing or depositing of altered and forged checks.
Livingston was charged with three counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretenses, three counts of forgery of an instrument and four counts of uttering a forged instrument. All charges are felonies.
“Once again, our officers and detectives have shown tireless dedication in pursuing those who would prey on our citizens,” Pinehurst Police Chief Glen Webb said. “I am proud of the effort and time they have put into these investigations. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.”
Police encouraged residents to use secure mail drop-off locations when mailing checks or other financial information and to regularly monitor their accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Pinehurst Police Department.
Livingston is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
