M., St. Charles Police Officers (Officers) were dispatched to a local bank in the City of St. Charles, Winona County, Minnesota, regarding a male subject attempting to cash a forged check. Officers arrived at the bank and went to the office of the reporting party (Witness). Inside the office, Officers observed Witness and a male subject who he identified as Jason William Meyer, [DOB REDACTED] (Defendant). Witness told Officer that Defendant had arrived at the bank and attempted to cash a check in the amount of $4,376.82. Witness stated that based on his training and experience, he suspected that Defendant’s check was fraudulent due to the large amount and other indicators.
Witness told Officers that Defendant asked one of the bank's employees if he could cash a check. The employee told Defendant no and that he needed to open an account first. Witness stated Defendant approached him requesting to open an account. Witness stated he opened an account for Defendant and Defendant deposited an initial $60. Once Defendant opened an account, he asked Witness if he could cash the check. Witness stated he suspected the check was fraudulent due to the large dollar amount and other indicators.
Defendant showed Witness the check. The check showed it belonged to a business (Victim) and was issued to Defendant. The check’s memo showed Defendant’s name with a Rochester, Minnesota, address. Witness told Officers he contacted Victim. Victim confirmed the bank account number and check number shown on Defendant’s check belonged to its business and that it had been stolen. Victim [NAME REDACTED] had placed check number 63251 and other checks in its mailbox to be mailed to Rochester Public Utilities.
Victim stated she suspected all the checks in the mailbox had been stolen on February 25, 2026. Defendant was arrested and transported to the Winona County jail. At approximately 4:00 pm, jail staff contacted Officer and told him Defendant wanted to make a statement. Officer went to the jail to meet with Defendant. Officer read Defendant his Miranda rights and Defendant agreed to speak to Officer. Defendant stated he is a vulnerable adult and was taken advantage of. Defendant stated at approximately noon on February 25, 2026, he was going to meet a friend at a bus stop.
While there, Defendant encountered a black male who gave him $3.00 for one cigarette. Defendant stated the black male asked Defendant if he wanted to make 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 2/27/2026 more money today and Defendant responded, “Yes.” Defendant stated he then got into the front passenger seat of a white Chevy four door SUV/car. Defendant stated inside the car was darked out with leather seats. Defendant stated the driver was a black bigger built male with a goatee and he was wearing a ball cap.
