Carmel, NY – January 16, 2025 - Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy 
announced that 29-year-old Tahmel Gordon, of Poughkeepsie, NY, was convicted by 
a Putnam jury of two counts of Attempted Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, four counts 
of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree, and one count of 
Conspiracy in the 5th Degree.

Gordon was arrested on November 20, 2023, after an investigation conducted by the 
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Carmel Police Department revealed that Gordon, 
along with three other individuals, travelled from Poughkeepsie, NY, to the Hudson 
Valley Credit Union branch located in Mahopac, NY, and to the Hudson Valley Credit 
Union branch located in Carmel, NY, where they attempted to cash forged checks at 
each branch. The amount of these checks, which the bank tellers and members of law 
enforcement determined had been “washed,” were written in the amounts of $8,700 
and $7,600. Gordon was apprehended at the scene, where he was then found to be in 
possession of four additional fraudulent, “washed” checks.

Evidence revealed at Gordon’s trial showed that in the days leading up to his arrest, 
Gordon planned and coordinated the attempted thefts and conducted internet searches 
of the bank locations and the names of the account holders; he also sent text messages
indicating his intent to commit these offenses on November 20, 2023. 

Robert V. Tendy -Putnam County District Attorney

“We have seen a spike in these check fraud schemes in our county,” Tendy said. 
“Criminals will steal checks from mailboxes and “wash” the amount from the checks, 
insert a new amount often for thousands of dollars, and then attempt to cash those 
checks at the bank. The criminals are often from out of county, and the intended victims 
are often senior citizens. They should know that when we catch them, we will prosecute 
them to the fullest extent of the law and request the maximum amount of jail time.”

Tendy thanked the civilian witnesses involved in this case for their cooperation, and 
The Carmel PD and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless efforts in 
catching, investigating and assisting in the conviction of Gordon. “The Putnam County 
Sheriff’s Digital Forensic Unit was particularly helpful in gathering evidence that led 
to Gordon’s conviction,” Tendy said.

Gordon’s week-long jury trial was held before the Honorable Justice Joseph Spofford. 
Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2025. The case was prosecuted by First 
Assistant District Attorney Breanne Smith and Assistant District Attorney Luciana 
Savone