Haralson County Man Charged in Alleged Check Fraud Scheme

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – A Haralson County, Georgia man is facing felony charges following an investigation into alleged fraudulent use of a customer’s bank account information, according to local authorities.

Investigators say Dusten Rutledge was hired in May 2025 to complete a window installation job and was paid $1,750 by check. Months later, on March 5, 2026, the customer discovered suspicious activity on his bank account involving a check bearing the same number as the original payment.

Authorities said the fraudulent check was dated December 12, 2025, and written for $2,000 to an individual in Alabama.

As part of the investigation, Lt. Jason Bowman traveled to Alabama to interview the recipient of the check. Officials said the individual identified Rutledge and reported that he had previously performed work at her home.

Rutledge was arrested this week by the Haralson County Crime Suppression Unit and charged with felony identity fraud and financial fraud. Authorities also confirmed that he is under investigation in Alabama in connection with the case.

The investigation remains ongoing.