Christopher M. Potoma, 36, of Bronx, New York, is facing a total of nine felony charges, including four counts of Forgery – Unauthorized Act in Writing (F2), four counts of Identity Theft (F3), and one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking – Movable Property (F3). The offenses are alleged to have taken place on June 21, 2025, with a second attempt occurring two days later.
According to investigators, Potoma entered an M&T Bank location in Middletown, Orange County, New York, on June 21 and deposited a fraudulent check for $7,860.75 into an account belonging to a Schuylkill County resident living in North Manheim Township. Potoma allegedly forged the victim’s name on a deposit ticket and used a fake passport card displaying his own photo but the victim’s personal information. He then withdrew $2,000 in cash from the victim’s account.
Just two days later, on June 23, Potoma returned to the same bank and attempted to cash another check — this one for $8,985.50 — again using the victim's name. However, a bank teller, suspecting fraud, refused the transaction, and Potoma fled the scene.
Authorities say Potoma was positively identified by a fraud investigator from M&T Bank, with assistance from Bensalem Police. Surveillance footage from the bank was compared to images of Potoma, who is currently incarcerated at Bucks County Prison on unrelated charges.
A warrant has been requested for Potoma’s arrest on the Schuylkill County charges. The investigation is being handled by Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop L – Schuylkill Haven Patrol Unit.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Schuylkill Haven barracks.