MASON CITY – The Mason City Police Department investigated several incidents of forgery on June 25th that culminated with two arrests.
Police said this week that several businesses reported receiving fraudulent checks for large amounts of money. During the investigation, search warrants were executed at two residences in Hampton, IA. Officers recovered some of the property that was purchased with the forged checks. On June 25th, officers arrested Ismael Ojeda, age 37, of Hampton for three counts of forgery and on going criminal conduct, and Antonio Williams, age, 22, of Hampton was also charged with joint criminal conduct. After the investigation, arrest warrants for forgery were applied for Jessica Patzy Lopez Martinez, age 24, of Hampton, IA and seven additional forgery charges for Ojeda.
Businesses are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency if they have taken a check with the name “Latin Group Label LLC” on it. The Mason City Police Department was assisted by the Hampton Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Forgery is a class “D” felony and is punishable up to 5 years in prison and $7,500 in fines.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.