NORTH HAVEN, CT — A Florida man has been arrested and charged with attempting to steal more than $515,000 from a North Haven resident’s bank accounts using fraudulent identification.
Marcos Mokas, 54, of Florida, was taken into custody May 8 after an extensive investigation by North Haven detectives in coordination with federal and out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
The investigation began June 12 when detectives were assigned to investigate an attempted larceny and identity theft incident involving a local bank.
On June 11, an unidentified male entered the bank and presented fraudulent identification containing a North Haven resident’s personal identifying information in an attempt to withdraw more than $515,000 from the resident’s bank accounts.
The resident received notification of the attempted transaction and the check issued to the individual was stopped before any funds were released.
On June 12, the same individual returned to the bank, again presenting the fraudulent identification and attempting another transaction.
A second check in excess of $515,000 was issued, but the victim was once again able to have the transaction stopped, and no monetary loss was sustained.
North Haven detectives conducted an extensive investigation, including the execution of multiple search warrants and the review of surveillance footage and financial records related to the incidents.
Through continued investigative efforts, and in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Agency and several out-of-state law enforcement agencies, North Haven detectives identified the suspect as Mokas.
North Haven detectives obtained a nationwide extraditable arrest warrant for Mokas, who was located in Florida.
On Feb. 22, Mokas was taken into custody by the Fort Pierce Police Department and held on the warrant.
After the extradition process was completed, North Haven detectives traveled to Florida and took custody of Mokas May 8, escorting him back to the North Haven Police Department where he was formally charged.
Mokas was charged with two counts each of criminal attempt to commit larceny in the first degree, identity theft in the first degree, criminal impersonation and forgery in the first degree.
Mokas is being held on bond and was scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court May 8.
