By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Couple charged with fraud
Turlock Police Cars

A Turlock man and woman found themselves under arrest after a scheme to cash a stolen check went awry.

Teresa Gastelo, 43, and Juan Espinoza, 24, went to the Money Mart store at 130 Lander Avenue Tuesday night and tried to cash a stolen check, according to the Turlock Police Department.

The check raised some suspicion with a store employee and the police department was contacted.

Officers arrived shortly after the report and took the couple into custody. Espinoza initially gave officers a different name, but his true identity was eventually established.

A search revealed Espinoza to be in possession of methamphetamine, according to the police report.

Espinoza and Gastelo were both charged with possession of stolen property, commercial burglary, and attempting to pass a stolen check. Espinoza also was charged with possession of methamphetamine and a parole violation.