On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of individuals attempting to cash fraudulent checks at a convenience store located at 104 Houpe Road, north of Statesville.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, store employees contacted the business listed on the checks to verify their authenticity. The business confirmed the checks were counterfeit and had reportedly been used since early May to obtain over $130,000. The company then contacted authorities to file a report regarding the stolen and forged checks.
Later that day, three individuals returned to the same store and attempted to cash additional checks. Store employees called the sheriff’s office. Deputies responded and encountered the suspects, who fled on foot. Law enforcement established a perimeter, and canine units were deployed to assist in locating the suspects. All three individuals were taken into custody. One suspect was reportedly tased after resisting arrest.
The three arrested individuals were identified as Juan Dario Carcamo, Merin Arnoldo Sorto-Mata, and Ezequiel Cruz Garcia. The following charges were filed:
- Juan Dario Carcamo: Two counts of misdemeanor resist, obstruct, and delay of a law enforcement officer; felony conspiracy; two counts of felony uttering a forged instrument; and felony possession and transporting of a counterfeit instrument. He was given a secured bond of $10,000.
- Merin Arnoldo Sorto-Mata: Felony conspiracy and two counts of misdemeanor resist, obstruct, and delay of a law enforcement officer. He received a secured bond of $6,500. An immigration hold was placed on this suspect.
- Ezequiel Cruz Garcia: Two counts of misdemeanor resist, obstruct, and delay of a law enforcement officer; misdemeanor assault on a law enforcement officer; and felony conspiracy. He was issued a secured bond of $15,000. An immigration hold was also placed on this suspect.
Two other individuals, identified as Javier Cortez and Junior Mendez, have also been charged in connection with this case. Felony warrants have been issued for their arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
