LAPLACE — Four area men are part of a check fraud scheme that struck at least one LaPlace business and possibly more, according to authorities.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a joint investigation with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department and LA Financial Crimes Task Force/New Orleans Division discovered a group of individuals deposited fraudulent checks from various New Orleans area businesses into a LaPlace financial institution.

Authorities said the businesses’ account information was compromised, stolen and used to print and produce numerous forged checks not authorized by the businesses’ payroll departments.

This investigation is ongoing and more suspects and victims could be identified. Those arrested include Jeffery Charles Clark, 39; Seth M. Paul, 20; Kendrick Seaberry, 33; and Aaron Thomas, 34.

Detectives began their investigation Dec. 8 after receiving a complaint from a LaPlace financial institution that discovered counterfeit checks had been cashed on several New Orleans area business accounts.

Three arrests were made in the following eight days, including:

Jeffery Charles Clark of St. Rose was booked for principal to theft, principal to attempted bank fraud, bank fraud, two counts of monetary instrument abuse, two counts of principal to monetary instrument abuse, four counts of principal to forgery and prohibited activities (racketeering).

Clark also had outstanding warrants relative to bank fraud issued by the Mandeville Police Department. He was transferred Dec. 21 to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Aaron Thomas of LaPlace was booked with attempted bank fraud, bank fraud, two counts of principal to forgery, two counts of monetary instrument abuse, theft $750-$5,000, failure to register and notify as a sex offender.

Thomas also had outstanding warrants for bank fraud issued by the Mandeville Police Department. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $41,500 bond.

Kendrick Seaberry of LaPlace was booked with theft $750 – $5,000, bank fraud, two counts of principal to forgery, two counts of monetary instrument abuse, possession of heroin, and possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia.

Seaberry had outstanding warrants relative to bank fraud issued by the Mandeville Police Department. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $30,000 bond.

Seth Paul of LaPlace was arrested Jan. 24 on a judicial judge warrant for principal to monetary instrument abuse, principal to forgery, and bank fraud.

He posted a $22,500 bond and was released the same day.