Police looking for two local men in connection with scheme to rip off banks

Williamsburg police are asking for the public’s help in locating two local men, one of whom is wanted for questioning and another, who allegedly ripped off area banks.

Authorities are looking for James M. Miracle, 27, of the Wolf Creek area, who is wanted for contempt of court, third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking over $500, identity theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Police are also looking for David "Matthew" Rider, 35, who are wanted for questioning in regards to the same investigation, according to Williamsburg Police Detective Bobby Freeman.

He said both suspects were last seen in the Long Bottom community, which is near Canadatown.

Freeman said that Miracle is wanted in connection with an Ohio investigation, and a local investigation.

On Dec. 28, he allegedly deposited three checks that turned out to be stolen from Ohio, Freeman said.

The victim’s residence was broken into shortly before Christmas, and that some checks were stolen.

Freeman said that Cincinnati police want to question the two men about the burglary.

Freeman said local authorities are also looking for a stolen vehicle taken from Ohio.

Miracle is also wanted in connection to a scheme to scam area banks that allegedly took place from about Dec. 28 – Jan. 3, Freeman said.

Freeman said that Miracle would allegedly fill out deposit tickets to deposit funds into his account, and then draw out money a few minutes later from the account. He said the problem was that the deposit envelopes were empty.

"According to the bank, it would automatically post, but until they actually get into the machine to get the envelopes and their deposits, the machine and the bank think the deposits are there," Freeman said.

Freeman said that Miracle has allegedly used the same scheme at banks in Whitley, Knox and Laurel counties.

"He used it in Kentucky and Tennessee at several different locations buying gas, cigarettes, beer, and food," Freeman said. "Roughly, the bank has a loss of over $6,000 right now."

Freeman said that Miracle also had taken out a loan at the bank to buy a truck that he allegedly sold to someone for $500, which resulted in a defrauding a secured creditor charge.

"We have video surveillance cameras showing him doing it. Also, we seized another car that was used in a felony," Freeman said.

Freeman said that Matt Rider is an associate of Miracle’s, who is also wanted for questioning.

Miracle is 6’5" weighing 183 pounds. He has sandy hair and blue eyes.

Rider is 5’9" weighing 140 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about the pair’s where abouts, is asked to contact Williamsburg police by calling 549-6017.