Contact: Captain Michael J. Winquist, Detective Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1008
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces that on Monday, January 28, 2013, members of the Financial Crimes Unit and the Wickford Barracks charged Thomas C. Cagle, age 49, of 400 Deal Lake Drive, Asbury Park, New Jersey, 07712, with two (2) counts of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses (Over $500), one (1) count of Conspiracy to Obtain Money Under False Pretenses, one (1) count of Access to a Computer for Fraudulent Purposes, two (2) counts of Fraudulent Checks and a Washington County Superior Court Warrant for Failure to Appear for Arraignment on original charges of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses and Unlawful Appropriation brought by the North Kingstown Police Department. This arrest was the result of investigations into three (3) separate complaints against Mr. Cagle alleging fraudulent activity.
In October 2011, a victim responded to the Wickford Barracks to file a complaint against Mr. Cagle for fraudulent checks ($3,300). The investigation by the Troopers at the Wickford Barracks revealed that Mr. Cagle presented three checks as payment for rent totaling $3,300. All checks were returned marked "Insufficient Funds". A warrant for Mr. Cagle was obtained charging him with Fraudulent Checks over $1,000 and Fraudulent Checks Under $1,000.
In March 2012, a victim responded to the Wickford Barracks to file a complaint against Mr. Cagle. The victim paid $5,000 to Mr. Cagle for marketing services. The investigation by the Troopers at the Wickford Barracks revealed that no marketing services were completed. A warrant was signed charging Mr. Cagle with Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses.
In July 2012, a victim contacted State Police Headquarters to file a complaint against Mr. Cagle. The victim said he was induced to make a $7,500 wire transfer to Mr. Cagle as part of a business deal. The victim claimed Mr. Cagle presented an invoice marked as paid in the amount of $15,000, and as a result the victim paid Mr. Cagle for his portion (50%) of the invoice. Investigation of the invoice revealed it was fraudulent, and no work had been completed.
A warrant was then obtained charging Mr. Cagle with Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses, Conspiracy to Obtain Money Under False Pretenses, and Access to a Computer for Fraudulent Purposes.
In January 2013, Detectives in the Financial Crimes Unit developed information that Mr. Cagle was working in the Lakewood Township area of New Jersey. Coordination with state and local law enforcement in New Jersey resulted in the apprehension of Mr. Cagle on January 9, 2013. Mr. Cagle waived extradition and on January 25, 2013 was transported to Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs.
Mr. Cagle was arraigned on Monday on the above charges at Fourth Division District Court before Associate Judge Madeline Quirk who set bail at $10,000 with surety.
If anyone believes they have been a victim of Mr. Cagle, please contact the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit at (401) 444-1201.