Man Accused of Cashing Over $35K in Stolen Checks at Colorado Banks

28-year-old Victor Escalona arrested for alleged fraud, forgery, and identity theft

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 28-year-old man named Victor Escalona has been arrested in Grand Junction, Colorado for allegedly cashing over $35,000 worth of stolen checks at various local banks. Escalona was caught attempting to open a new bank account at Alpine Bank, where an employee recognized him from previous fraudulent check cashing incidents. When questioned by police, Escalona allegedly provided a fake Mexican passport and ID, and later admitted the passport was forged as he was trying to avoid deportation. Authorities found additional stolen checks, fraudulent IDs, and other evidence linking Escalona to the theft and fraud scheme.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of check fraud and identity theft, which can have significant financial impacts on both banks and consumers. It also raises concerns about immigration and border security issues, as the suspect allegedly used forged documents to try to open a new bank account and avoid detection by authorities.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, when police questioned Escalona at Alpine Bank, he initially provided a fake Mexican passport with an assumed name. However, Homeland Security was able to verify his true identity as Victor Manuel Osorio Escalona. Escalona allegedly admitted the passport was forged, as he was trying to use it to open a new bank account and avoid deportation. Police searched Escalona's bag and found additional stolen checks, fraudulent IDs, and other evidence linking him to the theft and fraud scheme, which totaled over $35,000 in stolen funds from various local banks.

  • On February 14, 2026, Escalona was arrested at Alpine Bank in Grand Junction, Colorado.
  • Escalona is scheduled to appear in court on February 19, 2026 for formal filing of charges.

The players

Victor Escalona

A 28-year-old man accused of fraudulently cashing over $35,000 in stolen checks at local banks in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Alpine Bank

A local bank in Grand Junction where Escalona was caught attempting to open a new account, and where employees recognized him from previous fraudulent check cashing incidents.

Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD)

The law enforcement agency that arrested Escalona and is investigating the alleged fraud and theft scheme.

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What they’re saying

“He allegedly told police he had his photo on the ID documents for Carlos because he was trying to avoid deportation. However, he appeared to change his story later, saying he had the passport to open an account since the banks wouldn't accept his Minnesota ID.”

— Victor Escalona (westernslopenow.com)

What’s next

Escalona will be back in court on February 19, 2026 for a formal filing of charges. The District Attorney's Office has expressed concerns that Escalona may be a flight risk due to his alleged use of forged documents and lack of ties to the Grand Junction community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating check fraud, identity theft, and immigration-related crimes. It underscores the need for robust financial fraud detection systems, as well as coordination between local authorities and federal agencies like Homeland Security to identify and apprehend suspects engaged in these types of complex criminal schemes.