Image courtesy of Ambler Savings Bank
Woman attempted to deposit funds for a fraudulent business account at Ambler Savings Bank
One Philadelphia woman faces three felony charges after an attempt to deposit a check for over $200,000 for an engineering firm, police said. Stemming from incidents occurring in March 2024, the Ambler Borough Police reported to Ambler Savings Bank on East Butler Avenue in Ambler to investigate potential fraud.
On March 15, the bank management reported that Lovese Katina Waters, 52, of the 4900 block of Westminster Avenue in Philadelphia, entered the Ambler branch to open a new business bank account, police said. According to reports, Waters deposited $115 in cash, as well as a Pennsylvania driver’s license and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) paperwork showing Waters opening an account as Lakeshore Engineering LLC, noting a business address of Lynwood Avenue in Hamilton, N.J.
Police said, on March 18, Waters entered the same Ambler branch of the Ambler Savings Bank to deposit a check written from the “City of Douglas” in Douglas, Ga. The check, according to reports, was for the amount of $204,423.20 and was made out to Lakeshore Engineering LLC, 1259 Ellsworth Drive NW, in Atlanta, Ga.
By March 20, according to police, Ambler Savings Bank received a “stop payment” notice due to fraudulent check from SunTrust Bank, the bank handling the City of Douglas banking services.
Waters allegedly called the bank on two occasions, referencing her business account, police said. Bank staff was able to record a number via caller ID, which police were able to review via multiple search warrants. The number was a T-Mobile/Metro PC line issued to Waters, listing an address as the 4900 block of Westminster Avenue, Philadelphia.
Surveillance images provided by Ambler Savings Bank show, police said, that on March 27, Waters arrives at the bank “conducting her fraudulent activities.” She was reportedly traveling in a red Genesis SUV with a Pennsylvania license plate. Police said Waters’ driver’s license, vehicle registration, and license plate all were tied to Waters’ name and Philadelphia address.
Ambler Police attempted to reach Waters via the telephone number recorded by the bank. According to reports, Waters told police that “she would have her attorney contact” them, in reference to the matter, but no legal representation ever called.
Waters is charged with felony counts of forgery via altered writing, criminal attempt to conduct theft by unlawful taking moveable property, and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception or false impression.
Waters was released following a preliminary arraignment on a bond signature in lieu of a $50,000 bail. She is to appear before Magisterial District Judge Douglas H. Lavenberg on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
