Columbus Teen Arrested After Depositing Over $545K in Counterfeit Checks, Buying Porsche

William Chadwick Jones, 19, was taken into custody this week following a months-long investigation that uncovered a scheme involving counterfeit checks totaling more than half a million dollars.

In January 2025, Jones opened a business account with Synovus Bank. Investigators say he deposited five counterfeit checks totaling $545,770.97 into the account using mobile deposit. The funds were quickly dispersed through wire transfers, debit card transactions, and peer-to-peer platforms including Zelle.

Authorities report that some of the illicit funds were used to pay a criminal attorney retainer connected to a previous fraud arrest in Forsyth, GA. Another substantial transfer went toward the purchase of a Porsche, which Jones was reportedly driving at the time of his arrest.

Although the fraudulent deposits occurred in Alpharetta, GA, the case was transferred to the Columbus Police Department in March 2025, due to Synovus Bank’s headquarters being located in Columbus. The CPD Property Crimes Unit led the investigation, working in coordination with the Johns Creek Police Department, where Jones resides.

Jones was taken into custody without incident and transported to Muscogee County. He is currently awaiting a hearing in Recorder’s Court.