Burlington man charged with identity theft, drugs after check-cashing arrest

Burlington police arrested Daniel Howard, 46, after investigators said he tried to cash a check using another person’s identity at FriendlyCheck Cashing inside the Speedway at 653 East Webb Ave.

Officers responded June 3 at about 5:08 p.m. to the business after a report of fraudulent activity. Police said Howard was located and detained at the scene, and what began as a check-cashing call expanded into a broader case that included identity theft, a forged instrument allegation and narcotics-related charges.

Howard was charged with uttering a forged instrument, identity theft, two counts of felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the Alamance County Detention Center and held without bond under provisions of the Pretrial Integrity Act.

The case is a reminder that the kind of fraud local cash businesses see on an ordinary afternoon can quickly expose more than a bad check. In this case, Burlington officers said the identity issue led to additional charges tied to drugs and paraphernalia after Howard was detained. The detention center falls under the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, which handles detention and court duties in the county.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional information was released. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500.

For Burlington residents, the warning is immediate: protect bank cards, check books, mail and identification documents, and review statements for unfamiliar withdrawals or deposits. Check-cashing businesses, convenience stores and other everyday retail counters are often the first place suspicious documents surface, which makes a quick report to police and careful verification by merchants critical when a customer’s identity does not match the paper in hand.