Two residents of Seneca Falls are facing multiple charges following an investigation into a fraudulent vehicle purchase, according to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph C. Smith, 44, and Tanya M. Rush, 37, were arrested on October 3 after investigators determined they had allegedly forged a third party’s signature to finalize a vehicle purchase without the individual’s consent. Both suspects face charges of second-degree forgery, second-degree possession of a forged instrument, first-degree identity theft, and three counts of fifth-degree conspiracy.
Smith was taken to the Seneca County Jail and remanded after his arraignment, as he awaits a court hearing due to prior felony convictions. Rush, however, was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Tyre Town Court in November.
The investigation, led by Sheriff Timothy Thompson’s office, remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence on the case.
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