Officers met with a bank employee (“Employee”), who told Officers that Tyler James Lentz, [DOB REDACTED] (“Defendant”), cashed a forged check on 11/12/2025 in the amount of $465.88. Employee provided surveillance video of the bank’s drive-through. In the video Defendant is seen driving up to the bank window in a 2006 black Toyota Highlander. The owner of this vehicle told Officers that she allows Defendant to drive her vehicle and he had recently used it to go to the bank. In the surveillance video, Defendant is seen retrieving a pen from the bank’s tube system.
Defendant is seen writing on a paper that appears to be a check. Defendant was given $465.88 after presenting the check to the bank. The check was written to “Tyler James Lentz.” The check also had Defendant’s driver’s license number written on the check. Officers talked to the account-holder of the cashed check (“Victim”). Victim told Officers he wrote the check to “Wabasha Fresh Market” on 11/12/2025. This check was placed in the U. S. Mail. Victim later noticed that the check had been cashed but had been altered into a different name.
Victim notified his bank about the forged check. Officers determined Defendant had a bench warrant for failing to appear at a Winona County court appearance on ••-CR-••-••••. On or about December 4, 2025, Officers received a tip regarding Defendant’s possible location. Officer observed Defendant in the backyard of the residence. Officers placed Defendant under arrest for outstanding warrants. Defendant was read his Miranda Rights and chose not to speak to Officers. Defendant was transported to the Winona County Jail without incident.
A search of Defendant’s criminal history shows a 4/23/2024 conviction for Financial Transaction Card Fraud (••-CR-••-••••); and a 2/29/2024 conviction for Stolen 2 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 12/5/2025 Checks (••-CR-••-••••) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
