A Georgia teenager already facing fraud charges is now facing additional charges after allegedly trying to pay his lawyer with counterfeit checks, according to Columbus police.
In January, 19-year-old William Chadwick Jones opened a business account at Synovus Bank in Alpharetta, Georgia, before allegedly depositing five fake checks worth a total of $545,770.97 using mobile banking, according to the Columbus Police Department.
The alleged scheme follows a prior fraud-related arrest in Forsyth County, for which Jones had already retained legal counsel.
According to investigators, Jones allegedly quickly moved the fraudulent funds through a combination of wire transfers, Zelle payments and debit card purchases. Among his expenditures was a retainer for a criminal defense attorney handling his earlier fraud case.
Authorities also alleged he bought a Porsche, which he was reportedly driving when officers arrested him.
Although the initial crime occurred in Alpharetta, the case was transferred to CPD in March due to Synovus Bank's headquarters being located in Columbus. CPD coordinated with Johns Creek Police to arrest Jones at his residence. He is currently in custody at Muscogee County Jail awaiting a hearing in Recorder's Court.
If convicted, Jones could face significant prison time and federal scrutiny due to the scale of the alleged fraud and involvement of financial institutions.
