Indy Police Cracks Elaborate Counterfeit Check Scheme

INDIANAPOLIS

Indianapolis Metro Police arrested a suspect Friday after cracking an elaborate check counterfeiting scheme on the city?s south side.

Police said Sterling Pitcock, Jr. of stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from businesses from all over central Indiana.

Officers raided Pitcock?s home in the 1900 block of Mare Avenue on Friday after they alleged he was printing fake checks and using them to purchase ATVs, lawn equipment and furniture,

6News' Myrt Price

reported.

"(Pitcock) has a very comfortable lifestyle, based on the result of his counterfeit check operation," IMPD Sgt. Steve Walters said.

Walters said Sterling was very computer savvy and that the phony checks looked legitimate.

However, once the checks reached the bank, tellers discovered they were fake and contacted police.

?We followed his pattern, and we knew what businesses he was hitting. That kind of led us to where he was going, and we eventually tracked him down,? Walters said.

Once Sterling was taken into custody, detectives got a search warrant and went to his home. When detectives arrived, they said they found an unbelievable amount of merchandise.

?Every drawer that we opened, every door that we opened, we found more evidence of criminal activity," Walter said.

Police also found fake IDs, fake checks and the computer Pitcock allegedly used to print them.

In addition to the merchandise, police found several bags of meth, which only made matters worse.

"Right now, he has a plethora of charges coming his way. It?s going to hopefully keep him off the streets, and save these businesses from being victimized,? Walters said.

Pitcock rented his home from his father, Sterling Pitcock, Sr.

"I've done everything I can do, you know? I have talked to him and talked to him. I've helped him out of different situations, I don't know what his deal is. He's 30 something years old. He should know better," Pitcock's father said.

Detectives said they suspect there could be more stolen merchandise and they plan to search Pitcock?s storage units.