Man wanted for multi-county check scheme arrested after crashing while fleeing from deputies
A man accused of check fraud and wanted in six counties was arrested after leading deputies on a chase that ended in a crash.
Before the arrest
Two days before the chase and arrest, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a robbery at Farm Systems Inc. on U.S. Highway 64.
According to the business, Andrew James Denton bought many items on different occasions using credit and checks.
The bank that issued the check notified the store that the check was declined due to insufficient funds, and deputies found that some of the items had been pawned.
READ MORE: Leader of $3M check theft, bank fraud scheme in Charlotte area sentenced to prison
The day of the arrest
On Sept. 28, RCSO received a tip regarding Denton’s location. They found him traveling on Highway 64 Bypass and tried to stop him, but Denton did not stop and led the deputies on a chase.
Denton kept driving on Highway 64 West onto N.C. Highway 49 South where he crashed into a car that had pulled over to avoid a collision.
After crashing, he tried to run from the scene. Deputies quickly stopped him.
READ MORE: 2 arrested after 130 mph chase ends along I-77 in Iredell County, troopers say
They searched the vehicle and found that the registration plate was altered. Deputies also found an item related to an active fraud investigation.
Donna Ann Denton was a passenger in the car during the incident. She was arrested for an outstanding warrant from Yadkin County for multiple drug-related charges. Paraphernalia was also found in the car.
Both were taken to the Randolph County Detention Center where they stood in front of a magistrate.
The charges
The magistrate found probable cause for multiple charges relating to the chase and the theft at Farm Systems, Inc., against Andrew Denton.
He faced the following charges in Randolph County:
Felony obtain property by false pretense,
Misdemeanor worthless check,
Felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle,
Felony hit/run causing serious injury,
Misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger,
Misdemeanor speeding,
Misdemeanor operate a vehicle with no insurance,
Misdemeanor resisting public officer,
Misdemeanor expired registration card/tag,
Improper passing on right,
Drive left of center, and
Unsafe tires
For these incidents in Randolph County, he was initially issued a $80,000 secured bond. After investigating multiple criminal activities relating to Denton, RSCO announced Denton now faces the following charges:
Felony obtaining property by false pretense for the reported fraud at Farm Systems, Inc.
Five counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense at Liberty Farm & Garden between Sept. 11 and Sept. 18.
Misdemeanor larceny for theft of gasoline on Sept. 11.
Andrew Denton was also served multiple warrants and orders for arrest from six other counties:
Surry County
Order for arrest for failure to appear on felony obtain property by false pretense and misdemeanor worthless check – closed account
Order for arrest for failure to appear on misdemeanor simple worthless check
Yadkin County
Order for arrest for failure to appear on misdemeanor worthless check
Order for arrest for failure to appear on multiple counts of felony obtain property by false pretense and misdemeanor worthless check
Davidson County
Warrant for arrest for felony obtain property by false pretense
Order for arrest for failure to appear on felony obtain property by false pretense
Stokes County
Order for arrest for failure to appear on misdemeanor worthless check
Order for arrest for failure to appear on felony worthless check, felony obtain property by false pretense
Davie County
Order for arrest for failure to appear on felony obtain property by false pretense
Guilford County
Warrant for arrest for felony flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle,
Fail yield stop sign/flashing red light, and
Unsafe passing yellow line
READ MORE: USPS carrier accused of using universal key in $40K check-stealing scheme
His total bond amounts to $275,472.72 across the six counties. Denton has first appearances set throughout North Carolina.
The theft from Sept. 26 is still under investigation.
(WATCH: ‘I feel ripped off’: Victim says check washing scam cost him $5K)
