Suspect pleads not guilty in alleged $1.2M fraudulent check scheme

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of three suspects accused of making and depositing $1.2 million in fraudulent checks appeared in court Monday.

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Baron Yamabe, 75, pleaded not guilty to 54 counts of Forgery, Theft, and Attempted Theft.

According to the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office, the alleged crimes took place from June to August of 2024.

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Authorities say there is a warrant out for the third suspect, Ursula Ramos, 78.

Yamabe’s bail was set at $100,000.

His trial is set for December.

In August 2024, Tigilau and Yamabe, along with two others, were arrested and charged in connection with an earlier alleged scheme involving $1.5 million in fraudulent checks.

Investigators believe that other victims may have been defrauded. Anyone who believes they were victimized by the suspects is asked to call the AG’s Investigations Division at (808) 586-1240.

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