Forgers arrested in Volga and Brookings; the two had reportedly been recruited in Sioux Falls

The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol arrest a Sioux Falls man for attempting to pass a forged check. Brookings police arrested another forger. The two are connected.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to a business in Volga shortly after 4:30 Wednesday afternoon. A man identified as 31-year-old Angelo High Pipe was unsuccessful cashing the check. He was located about a block away.
A search of High Pipe uncovered a bogus $5200 check from a Brookings business as well as Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

High Pipe was arrested on forgery and drug charges. He’s being held on a $5,000 cash only bond.

Brookings Police report High Pipe had earlier cashed a fraudulent check at a Brookings bank. A second man, identified as 51-year-old Brian Ritter of Sioux Falls, also tried to cash fraudulent checks in Brookings. Ritter was taken into custody by Brookings Police and charged with forgery. His bond was set at $2,000 cash only.

High Pipe and Ritter told police they were approached by unknown suspects in Sioux Falls who offered them “jobs” cashing checks. The suspects were given clothing and meals before being brought to Brookings and Volga. High Pipe gave the money he received from the Brookings bank to the unknown suspects who left the area before law enforcement could identify them.

March 10, 2023