In October 2023, leadership from a Bern Township church reported that two of their checks had been fraudulently altered and cashed, resulting in a theft of $17,200.
An investigation revealed the checks had been "washed," re-issued to different payees, and deposited into various financial platforms including Zelle and Cash App. With the help of legal process served to JP Morgan, Citizen's Bank, and other institutions, a suspect was identified
Woobenz Joseph, of Newtown, New York, was identified as a recipient of the stolen funds.
In January 2025, a full extradition arrest warrant was secured. On April 10, 2025, Joseph was extradited from New York to Berks County, where he was formally charged with theft and related offenses.
Joseph is due back in court on June 17, 2025.