Thief Cursed Bank Teller For Not Cashing Forged Check: Rockland DA
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A Ramapo resident who prosecutors said became so angry when a suspicious bank teller wouldn't cash a stolen check that he refused to leave was convicted Thursday on charges connected to two car break-ins, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced.Bernard Salas, 46, went into an unoccupied parked vehicle in Spring Valley on July 14, 2023 and stole a bag containing keys, paperwork, an electric scooter, and expired credit cards, prosecutors said. He also stole air pods from a second unoccupied vehicle. Both vehicles were parked in a driveway.On Dec. 7, 2023, Salas attempted to cash a check at a local bank. The check was reported stolen out of a parked vehicle in the driveway of a home in Ramapo the evening before. This check was filled out with the victim’s signature. The check was made out for $7,500 and the payee listed was Salas. The employees at the bank became suspicious that the check was forged and refused to cash it. Upon hearing their refusal, Salas became irate and would not leave when told to do so by the bank staff, prosecutors said. Police were called. Salas refused to leave and continued cursing at and threatening the bank staff — and responding officers. Placed under arrest for trespass and disorderly conduct, he resisted arrest and spit in the face of one officer. He also scratched and clawed at the hand of another police officer, causing the officer to bleed. The entire incident was captured on video surveillance at the bank.Members of the Town of Ramapo Police Department took custody of the check. After a jury trial, Salas was convicted on the following charges:1 count of Criminal Possession of a Forged instrument in the Second Degree (a class D Felony)1 count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class E Felony)1 count of Petit Larceny (a class A Misdemeanor)1 count of Resisting Arrest (a class A Misdemeanor)1 count of Attempted Assault in the Third Degree (a class B Misdemeanor)1 count of Trespass (a violation)1 count of Harassment in the Second Degree (a violation)1 count of Disorderly Conduct (a violation)"The defendant in this case has shown on multiple occasions a clear disregard for the rule of law," Walsh said. "Today's conviction shows the dedication and commitment of law enforcement and our Assistant District Attorneys to hold individuals accountable for their criminal activities. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe for all residents."Sent to the Rockland County Jail after the verdict, Salas is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13. Salas is a mandatory predicate felon, with 4 prior felony convictions, and 9 previous misdemeanor convictions. He faces a mandatory minimum of at least 2-4 years in state prison or up to 3 1⁄2-7 years in state prison with respect to the top count in the Indictment upon which he was convicted, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree. At the time of sentencing, the Court could hold a hearing and has the discretion to sentence him as a persistent felony offender to a minimum of 15 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.The article Thief Cursed Bank Teller For Not Cashing Forged Check: Rockland DA appeared first on New City, NY Patch.
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