Sykesville Bank Fraud Suspect Arrested In New Hampshire: Police

SYKESVILLE, MD — A Sykesville woman and two Florida residents were arrested in New Hampshire on charges Wednesday after police received a tip about a fraud attempt at a bank. At around 11:30 a.m., officers were told about a theft involving identification and credit cards. During the course of the investigation, according to Sgt. Robert Powers of the criminal investigation division of the Nashua Police Department, police learned that information from the initial theft was being used to attempt a fraud related theft at a local bank.

"The individuals involved were then located and arrested," Powers said.

After detectives furthered the investigation – including reportedly "recovering identification and credit cards that had been stolen from multiple jurisdictions" – charges were filed against three people.

Cathyrn Smith, 38, of Vincenza Drive in Sykesville, Maryland, was arrested and charged with identity fraud and attempt theft by deception, both felonies. Stephon Samuel, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was charged with criminal liability to identity fraud and criminal liability to attempt theft by deception, both felonies, as well as resisting arrest or detention. Montrez Finch, 23, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, was arrested on a warrant.

Smith and Finch also had active fraud related warrants from separate jurisdictions. They face more than 30 years in prison and fines if convicted.

All three were held and are expected to be arraigned Thursday in court.

According to police, while Smith, Samuel, and Finch are accused of activity and conduct similar to the Felony Lane Gang, at this time, there is no indication they are members of any specific or organized fraud group.

Reporting by Patch Editor Tony Schinella.