Southern New Mexico Man Charged With Multiple Counts Of Forgery

A former caregiver Las Cruces Police suspected of falsifying checks belonging to a man he cared for ? and who died in 2008 ? has been arrested and charged with several fourth-degree felonies, according to police officials.

Michael Gay, 42, of the 2200 block of Shady Place just north of Las Cruces, is charged with 16 counts of forgery less than $2,500. Gay was arrested Friday on a warrant and is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center .

Detectives began investigating Gay in December 2011 when his current employer, the South Central Solid Waste Authority, reported a burglary that appeared to be an inside job. Detectives soon learned that in December 2010 Gay?s ex-wife cashed eight checks from the bank account of Frank Martyn, a man who died in 2008, according to police. Gay?s ex-wife told investigators that Gay asked her to cash the checks because he did not have a checking account.

The checks drawn on Martyn?s bank account totaled $10,900 but were all returned due to the absence of funds.

Investigators learned that Gay had previously worked for Premier Transportation and had befriended Martyn when they both lived at the Coachlight Motel during 2008, according to police. Gay often provided Martyn rides to and from his doctor?s appointments. Martyn subsequently passed away on Nov. 7, 2008, at the age of 85.

A review of Martyn?s bank statement revealed that his account balance went from $9,217 on Sept. 13, 2008, to only $151 on Oct. 15, 2008.

According to police, investigators discovered that Gay used Martyn?s checks to pay for various items at area stores and had sold Martyn?s pickup for $800 in December 2010.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and additional charges against Gay are possible.