Queens man charged in Ulster Savings Bank fraud investigation

ULSTER COUNTY – A 36-year-old Jamaica, Queens man was arrested Wednesday in connection with an investigation into fraudulent checks cashed at multiple Ulster Savings Bank branches, the State Police announced. Eric A. Balko was arrested on Sept. 23 by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Highland and charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony; second-degree offering a false instrument for filing, a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree possession of a forged instrument, a Class D felony. State police said the investigation began Aug. 23, 2024, after an Ulster Savings Bank employee reported that the same person had cashed multiple checks at different bank branches, resulting in a substantial financial loss. Balko is accused of cashing fraudulent checks for his own financial gain, police said. He was arrested and processed at State Police Highland without incident. He was arraigned in New Paltz Town Court on Sept. 23 and released on his own recognizance. Balko is due back in New Paltz Town Court on Oct. 21 at 5 p.m.