For Immediate Release

Olin Man Charged with Forgery and 2nd Degree Theft

October 28, 2025 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) – Christopher Paul Maestas, 40, of Olin, Iowa, has been charged with Forgery – Use/Alter Forged Writing ($, Etc.), a Class D Felony; and Theft 2^nd Degree – Bad Check Over $1,500 Under $10,000, a Class D Felony. 

On May 14, 2025, Maestas walked into Central State Bank in Swisher, Iowa, and cashed a check written to himself from a local business for $2,549.23. The check was later found to be fraudulently manufactured, and the business did not knowingly write it. The check was successfully cashed and money was tendered to Maestas.  

The public is encouraged to remain educated about financial fraud and other scams to prevent the victimization of themselves and loved ones by fraudsters and other criminals seeking to exploit sensitive information. You can learn more about fraud by visiting:

• https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams 

• https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammers#:~:text=Avoiding%20Scams%20and%20Scammers%20%7C%20FDIC.gov 

• https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet 

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

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