New York State Police in Lockport concluded an investigation today into the passing of forged checks in Hartland with the arrest of five subjects.

According to a press release from State Police, they responded to a local gas station/convenient store in Hartland for the report of five checks being cashed which were determined to be counterfeit.

The following subjects were arrested and charged with for criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a class D felony, and petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, in relation to this investigation:

• AUSTIN P. HAGER, 19, of Dysinger Road, Lockport was arrested on Nov. 8.

• ASHLEY R. BEUTEL, 25, of Lincoln Place, Lockport was arrested on Nov. 11.

• MATTHEW D. MILLER, 28, of Morton Ave., Lockport was arrested on Nov. 11.

• BETHANY M. BAYER, 30, of Pine Street, Lockport was arrested on Nov. 12. 

• MARTIN Z. PUTOWSKI, 35, of Haussauer Rd., Getzville, NY was arrested today for five counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a class D felony.

All of the subjects were arraigned and have ultimately been released with future court dates in the Town of Hartland Court, according to the press release.