MOOREFIELD, W.Va. (WHSV) – Three New York men are facing multiple charges after investigators say they attempted to use fraudulent identification at a Moorefield bank before being stopped by law enforcement.
Deputies responded July 22 after employees at Capon Valley Bank reported a suspicious man who claimed to be a deceased account holder while attempting to obtain account information, according to the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office.
The man allegedly presented fraudulent identification documents but left the bank after employees questioned him. Bank staff then followed the suspect vehicle and provided law enforcement with its description, New York registration and direction of travel.
Master Deputy McCausley later located the white Honda Accord traveling east on Corridor H (WV Route 48) and conducted a traffic stop near Pincle Drive. Deputies then identified the occupants as Jaylan Kennedy, Steven Williams and Jack Asencio, all of New York.
According to the sheriff’s office, Asencio admitted to participating in a scheme in which he entered financial institutions using fraudulent identification documents in exchange for money. Ascenio told them counterfeit passports and financial cards had been created using his photograph with false identities and that the group had attempted to target another financial institution earlier that day before traveling to Capon Valley Bank, according to HCSO.
During the investigation, officers reported inconsistencies in the occupants’ travel explanations. Deputies also observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and detected the odor of marijuana, leading to a search of the vehicle.
Investigators recovered suspected marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, multiple cell phones, a notebook containing personal identifying information and signature practice, along with other evidence related to the identity theft investigation.
A more extensive search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered multiple fraudulent passports and financial cards concealed within the driver’s side door panel. Authorities said the documents displayed different names while bearing Asencio’s photograph. Officers also recovered suspected controlled substances and drug packaging materials.
Investigators also learned Asencio was wanted on an active extraditable warrant from New Jersey.
Field testing indicated the suspected narcotics tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl, according to the sheriff’s office.
All three suspects were arrested and charged with transporting controlled substances across state lines. Authorities said the suspected narcotics have been sent to the West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory for confirmatory testing.
The Moorefield Police department said additional charges related to identity theft, fraudulent identification documents and other offenses are expected as the investigation continues.
The Hardy County Sheriff’s Office credited Capon Valley Bank employees for quickly reporting the incident, saying their actions helped officers locate the suspects and prevent additional fraudulent activity.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office or the Moorefield Police Department.
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