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In Rensselaer County, workers at the Berkshire Bank in North Greenbush called police shortly before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, with reports that a man was attempting to withdraw $85,000.
The employees were suspicious about the man’s drivers license and thought he was acting “strangely,” according to North Greenbush Police.
When the transaction was denied, the man reportedly requested to withdraw $5,000.
Arriving officers located the suspect and arrested him after determining his drivers license was fraudulent, police said.
He was identified as James Chandler, age 48, a homeless man from the Bronx, according to police.
Chandler was charged with multiple crimes, including attempted grand larceny, criminal possession of a forged instrument, and identity theft, all felonies.
He was arraigned at North Greenbush Town Court and taken to the Rensselaer County jail. A judge ordered him held without bail, citing his extensive history of felony convictions.
“This was great work by the bank employees” said North Greenbush Police Chief David M. Keevern. “If they weren’t alert to the legitimacy of the documents and Chandler’s demeanor, there would have been a major financial loss.
"This type of vigilance coupled with the outstanding police work seen in this incident is what brings cases like this to a quick resolution so that victims are not majorly impacted and justice can be served.”
Police believe Chandler was working with a criminal ring operating out of New York City. Detectives are still trying to identify the accomplice who drove Chandler to the bank but fled when officers arrived.
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