One Arrested, Two Others Sought in LC Valley Check Fraud Investigation

Authorities say a fraud investigation involving stolen business checks has led to criminal charges against three suspects.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree identity theft, second-degree theft, and forgery in connection with a check fraud investigation in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley area. Two other suspects remain at large as authorities continue to search for them.

Why it matters

Check fraud and identity theft are serious crimes that can have significant financial and personal impacts on victims. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these types of financial crimes in the local community.

The details

According to court documents, the investigation began on August 1, 2025, when Lewiston police responded to a fraud report involving K and G Construction in Lewiston. The business owner reported that someone was attempting to cash a $4,300 check drawn on the company's bank account, and that the business's checkbook had been stolen. Through bank records and surveillance footage, police identified three suspects - Matthew T.D. Fronk, Carisa Fowler, and April Gustafson - who allegedly cashed stolen checks totaling over $4,000 at local banks and credit unions.

  • The investigation began on August 1, 2025.
  • Fronk was arrested on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • An arraignment hearing for Fronk has been set for February 17, 2026.

The players

Matthew T.D. Fronk

A 35-year-old man who has been charged with second-degree identity theft, second-degree theft, and forgery in connection with the check fraud investigation.

Carisa Fowler

One of the two other suspects sought by authorities in the check fraud investigation.

April Gustafson

One of the two other suspects sought by authorities in the check fraud investigation.

K and G Construction

The Lewiston-based construction company whose business checks were allegedly stolen and fraudulently cashed by the suspects.

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What they’re saying

“Probable cause exists to charge all three suspects with identity theft, forgery, possession of stolen property and financial fraud.”

— Jaime K. Young, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Court documents)

What’s next

The judge will decide on February 17, 2026 whether to allow Matthew T.D. Fronk to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute financial crimes such as check fraud and identity theft, which can have significant impacts on local businesses and individuals. It serves as a reminder for businesses to be vigilant in protecting their financial information and for the community to be aware of the risks of these types of crimes.