Davenport man arrested in Winfield

WINFIELD — Pilot Grove Savings Bank contacted the Winfield Police Department Tuesday, April 1 at approximately 3:30 p.m. to report an attempt to cash a fraudulent check.

According to court reports, Lee J. McDuffie II, 58, of Davenport, was arrested and charged with Forgery, a Class D felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor, in connection with this report.

“Due to the quick response of Pilot Grove Savings Bank contacting the Winfield Police Department, McDuffie was found and apprehended shortly after fleeing the bank,” Winfield Police Department said in a statement.

According to the criminal complaints and affidavits filed by the Winfield Police Department, bank employees at Pilot Grove Savings Bank contacted law enforcement after bank staff attempted to verify the check with Meyers and James Construction Co. Inc. At that time, McDuffie reportedly fled the scene.

The forged check was confirmed to match the number of a legitimate check issued by the company, but the recipient and amount had been altered. A short time later, McDuffie was located walking on a rural road outside Winfield. He was positively identified by photo ID and arrested without incident.

Winfield Police Officer Scott Roen detailed in his report that McDuffie claimed two men approached him in a black SUV in Davenport and asked if he would like to make money by cashing this check. McDuffie claimed they then drove him to Winfield to do so.

During a search incident to arrest, officers discovered a metal pipe in McDuffie’s pocket, which he admitted was used for smoking marijuana. This led to the additional charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.

McDuffie remains in custody pending further proceedings.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com