A man was arrested after deputies say he bounced a $50,000 check that he stole from his grandmother’s house and then deposited into his account at a Naples credit union branch.Anthony Joseph Cianfero Jr., 41, 4013 Stow Way, Golden Gate, was charged with grand theft and uttering a forged instrument.
Reports say Cianfero deposited the check into his account at the Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union branch at 2728 Horseshoe Drive on July 25, 2007. The check was drawn on the account of his grandmother Yolanda Cianfero and aunt Marirose Stewart.
During the transaction Cianfero also obtained a cashier’s check for $44,372, made payable to the Naples law firm Parrish, Lawhon and Yarnell and withdrew $3,500 cash.
The credit union was notified on Aug. 1, 2007 that the check had been returned for nonsufficient funds.
Credit union officials contacted Cianfero, who told them that his grandmother gave him the check for a loan and that she would be sending him a cashier’s check to replace the one that bounced.
A cashier’s check was not received, and the bank sent a letter to Stewart and Yolanda Cianfero on Aug. 17, 2007, notifying them of the bounced check.
Stewart contacted credit union officials on Aug. 22, 2007, and said Cianfero stole the check from his grandmother’s house in Philadelphia. Both women filed a report with the Philadelphia police department.
A CCSO warrant was issued Jan. 3 and deputies arrested Cianfero on Jan. 5.
