Arrestee accused of writing $10 million in fraudulent checks

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:33 a.m.

Herman Hinojosa, 52, was arrested here last week as he shopped for a new Cadillac.

The arrest ended an alleged spending spree since Hinojosa opened the Las Vegas account in mid-April with two fraudulent checks for more than $10 million, police Lt. Jack Chism said.

"He has purchased numerous new cars and trucks, a complete warehouse and equipment, jewelry, clothes, a new home and condo and has other outstanding bad checks that may total as much as $10 million," Chism said.

Police had been alerted by a Wheat Ridge businessman who became suspicious and called to confirm a check Hinojosa had written to buy a trailer.

The bank told him there was a problem with the account, so he called police, said Jim Blumenthal, president of Trailer Source Inc.

"He was a very smooth character," Blumenthal said. "He just walked in to purchase a trailer and announced that he was very religious."

At the time, Hinojosa was driving a 1997 GMC truck he had purchased three days earlier with a bad check, Chism said.

Hinojosa had also been shopping for a house in the Denver area. He picked a $600,000 house in Arvada, but real estate broker Tim Clark said he refused Hinojosa's first check and asked for the money to be wired.

Another check was offered, but Hinojosa was arrested before it could be sent through.

"It's a nice place," Clark said of the house. "He's got good taste."

Hinojosa was jailed on suspicion of auto theft and attempted felony theft. Bail was set at $50,000.