Forgery suspect who allegedly embezzled over $29K arrested with drugs
A Royal man sought on felony forgery and theft warrants for allegedly embezzling over $29,000 was arrested Sunday morning following a traffic stop where drugs were reportedly found in his possession.
Raymond William Hermanson, 42, who lists a Bever Place address, was taken into custody shortly before 10:30 a.m. and charged with felony counts of theft of property over $25,000, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, second-degree forgery, punishable by up to 10 years, possession of a controlled substance, meth, punishable by up to six years, and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to one year in jail.
Hermanson, who was also cited for driving on a suspended driver’s license, no proof of insurance and driving a vehicle without tags, remained in custody Tuesday in lieu of bonds totaling $12,000 and is set to appear March 7 in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit on the forgery and theft charges, on Jan. 18, the manager of Regions Bank filed a report with Hot Springs police involving funds embezzled from their bank last year.
She reported that on Sept. 6, 2022, Hermanson deposited a check for $29,224.45 via the ATM at 1555 Malvern Ave. into his Regions account using a check written on a First Security Bank account in the name of a man and woman.
The next day, on Sept. 7, Hermanson allegedly withdrew $24,000 in cash from the Regions Bank location at 302 Malvern Ave. The bank employee who handled the transaction reportedly verified Hermanson’s ID per bank policies prior to allowing the withdrawal. After the cash withdrawal, multiple purchases were made using the remaining $5,224.45.
On Sept. 23, the woman whose name was listed on the check reported to First Security that it had been altered.
In January, First Security notified Regions the deposited check had been altered, so Regions ultimately reimbursed First Security for the money and Regions is now at a financial loss of $29,224.45, the affidavit said.
Warrants for Hermanson’s arrest were later issued.
On Sunday, shortly before 10:30 a.m., HSPD Officer Donaldo Tobar observed a white unlicensed Cadillac headed south in the 4000 block of Central Avenue so he made a traffic stop on it near Mehta Court.
He made contact with the driver, identified as Hermanson, and discovered he had the two warrants for his arrest so he took him into custody. In searching him, Tobar allegedly found a baggie with 1.7 grams of what later tested positive for meth in his jacket pocket.
In searching the vehicle, Tobar reportedly found a used syringe between the center console and driver’s seat. While speaking to Tobar, Hermanson allegedly stated he was a frequent user of meth through syringes.