Chopin man facing bank fraud charge

A Chopin man is accused of stealing a man's identity and draining his bank account of almost $16,000, according to a release.

The complaint was received by the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office on June 2. The victim said the incident began on Feb. 4 and that "his bank account had been compromised for an estimated amount of $15,865.00 by an unknown suspect," reads the release.

Detectives eventually were able to identify a suspect, 35-year-old Ryan Eric Beebe of the 300 block of La. Highway 490. A warrant was obtained for Beebe's arrest and, with the help of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office, he was arrested on Wednesday.

Beebe was charged with one count of bank fraud. He later was released on a $2,500 bond.

An investigation is continuing, "and additional charges are possible," reads the release.