Chemung County, NY – A 37-year-old Elmira man is facing felony charges after allegedly forging and cashing a check from a deceased relative’s account, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
On September 1, 2025, deputies responded to a Southport address for a report of a stolen check. Investigators say Michael A. Gardner was accused of writing a check for $3,762 from the account of a deceased family member. The case was referred to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division.
According to investigators, the relative had been deceased since April 2025. Gardner allegedly forged the check on August 24, 2025, and deposited the funds into his personal account.
As a result, Gardner was charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree—all Class D felonies under New York law.
The Sheriff’s Office said Gardner was arraigned in Southport Town Court and later released. He is expected to appear again in court at a future date.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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