Second Suspect Arrested in Asotin County Check Fraud Case

Carisa Fowler charged with identity theft, theft, and forgery in connection with stolen business checks cashed in Clarkston

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A second suspect, 39-year-old Carisa Fowler, has been arrested and charged with identity theft, theft, and forgery in connection with a fraud investigation involving stolen business checks that were cashed in the Clarkston, Washington area. Fowler is one of three suspects in the case, with 35-year-old Matthew T.D. Fronk previously arrested on similar charges. Authorities say the investigation began in August 2025 after a Lewiston business reported its checkbook had been stolen and checks were being cashed fraudulently.

Why it matters

Check fraud and identity theft cases can have significant financial and legal consequences for both businesses and individuals. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and apprehend suspects involved in these types of crimes, which can undermine trust in financial institutions and the broader community.

The details

According to court documents, Fowler was arrested earlier this week in Nez Perce County and extradited to Asotin County on Wednesday. She was booked into the Asotin County Jail on charges of second-degree identity theft, second-degree theft, and forgery. Fronk was previously arrested and booked into the Asotin County Jail in February on similar charges. Investigators allege that Fowler cashed a $937.08 check at Lewis-Clark Credit Union, Fronk cashed a $973.87 check at Banner Bank, and a third suspect, April Gustafson, cashed a $2,256.31 check at Banner Bank, all in Clarkston.

  • The investigation began on August 1, 2025 when Lewiston police responded to a fraud report involving K and G Construction.
  • Fronk was previously arrested and booked into the Asotin County Jail in February 2026.
  • Fowler was arrested earlier this week in Nez Perce County and extradited to Asotin County on Wednesday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Carisa Fowler

A 39-year-old suspect who was arrested and charged with identity theft, theft, and forgery in connection with the check fraud case.

Matthew T.D. Fronk

A 35-year-old suspect who was previously arrested and charged with identity theft, theft, and forgery in connection with the check fraud case.

April Gustafson

A third suspect who has been identified in court documents and is wanted on an arrest warrant for her alleged involvement in the check fraud case.

K and G Construction

A Lewiston-based business whose checkbook was reported stolen, leading to the investigation.

Banner Bank

A bank where two of the stolen checks were allegedly cashed by the suspects.

Lewis-Clark Credit Union

A credit union where one of the stolen checks was allegedly cashed by a suspect.

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What’s next

An arrest warrant has been issued for the third suspect, April Gustafson, who authorities are still seeking to apprehend.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of check fraud and identity theft crimes, which can have significant financial and legal consequences for businesses and individuals. It highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the community to identify and prosecute those responsible for these types of crimes.