Northern Mich. woman deposited fake check for Bitcoin, authorities say
Aug. 13—A northern Michigan woman has been charged with depositing a fake check of nearly $10,000 to withdraw Bitcoin, state police said Thursday.
Troopers at the Houghton Lake state police post were contacted in June about a bogus slip for $9,817 deposited nearly two months earlier through an ATM in Missaukee County, investigators said in a statement.
Most of the deposit was withdrawn on April 28 in four Bitcoin transactions: three worth $2,500 and another totaling $2,000, according to the release. Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer digital currency.
The recipient was identified as Terrie Ann Loree-Chappel, 49. The financial institution overseeing the ATM contacted the Lake City woman and sought restitution. She allegedly promised to repay the money but never did, state police said.
Loree-Chappel later told authorities she had "received the check from a celebrity she met online who gave her instructions on what to do," according to the release.
An investigation led to the autorization of an arrest warrant Tuesday.
Loree-Chappel was arraigned the next day in 84th District Court in Missaukee County on one count of nonsufficient funds, check $500 or more.
Her next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
