Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 20, 2025 – A man faces multiple felony charges after police said he and several other suspects took part in a bank fraud scheme in Jonesboro, resulting in over $200,000 in losses.
Craighead County District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Aug. 18 to charge 40-year-old Randy Wooten, of Parkin, AR, with second-degree forgery, theft of $25,000 or more (all others), and engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Jan. 24, the Jonesboro Police Department was alerted to reports of “significant fraudulent activity” at Arvest Bank. Records showed that between Nov. 14, 2024, and Feb. 7, 2025, 65 accounts had been fraudulently opened. The total amount lost as a result exceeded $200,000, the affidavit said.
Police identified Wooten as a principal suspect. The affidavit said he and at least eight other suspects were involved in opening checking accounts in person at the bank.
The affidavit said Wooten would then give his account details and debit card to the suspects, to which they would deposit the fraudulent checks into his accounts, and before the bank could catch on, Wooten and the other suspects would take the stolen funds out of the accounts.
In addition to Wooten, K8 News reports that 10 other people have been arrested over the course of the investigation.
Wooten was arrested by Craighead County deputies Aug. 11, according to the online jail roster.
During Monday’s hearing, Fowler noted that Wooten had an extensive theft and firearm history dating back to 2013. Given that fact, as well as his location, Wooten was given a $100,000 cash-only bond. He was also ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor upon release.
Wooten’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30.
