Lexington County deputies have arrested 3 people, while 3 others are wanted for using stolen and forged checks and fraudulent bank accounts.

David Alan Payton, 20, Joshua Keith Shanklin, 25, and James Elbert Tindall, 22, are wanted on charges associated with the scheme.

“Our investigation into the scheme started during a Jan 26 traffic stop on a stolen vehicle,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said.

“The deputy found checks that appeared to be forged and numerous debit cards inside the car. We eventually determined they had been stolen from mailboxes.”

Deputies worked on the case with the US Postal Inspection Service.

The suspects started at the end of 2020 depositing stolen and forged checks into fraudulent bank accounts.

More than 20 people had no idea their identities had been compromised, Koon said.

Rachel Dawn Elizabeth Hayden, 20, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, financial transaction card theft, criminal conspiracy and a drug charge.

Cathy Lynn Sayman, 21, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Christopher Stokes Shealy Jr., 23, has been arrested and charged with financial identity fraud, financial transaction card theft, forgery, criminal conspiracy and a drug charge.