Rochester, NY — A Rochester man and another suspect are facing multiple felony charges after Monroe County investigators allegedly uncovered a forged check scheme that led to the seizure of an illegal firearm and stolen merchandise.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Economic Crimes Unit executed two search warrants Thursday — one on Union Square in Chili and another on Sherman Street in Rochester — as part of an ongoing investigation into forged and stolen checks totaling $2,740 that were cashed at a local bank.
Deputies said the searches turned up a Springfield 9mm handgun with an extended 16-round magazine, equipment used to “make” and “wash” checks, and numerous new retail items still in boxes, believed to have been stolen from area stores.
Giovanni Newport-Beasley, 28, of Rochester, was charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, grand larceny, falsifying business records, and criminal possession of a weapon in both the second and third degrees. He also faces a misdemeanor conspiracy charge.
Tyshon D. McCullough, 30, of Rochester, faces similar charges, including two felony weapon counts, grand larceny, falsifying business records, and conspiracy.
Both men are predicate felons, authorities said. Newport-Beasley was remanded to the Monroe County Jail without bail, while McCullough was held on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Officials credited the Economic Crimes Unit and MCSO SWAT for their coordinated efforts in identifying the suspects and carrying out the arrests.
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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