On August 18, 2025 Officer R. Kniatt responded to a financial institution in the 700-block of James Madison Hwy for an attempted fraud. According to staff, an adult male subject attempted to cash a fraudulently altered check using a fake ID. When staff declined the transaction, the male left the area.

As a result of this investigation, the Culpeper Police Department charged Kenneth Robinson, 44, of District Heights, MD with one count of felony Forgery, two counts of felony Attempted Uttering, and two counts of felony Attempt to Obtain Money by False Pretenses. Robinson was already being held without bond at Rappahannock Shenandoah & Warren (RSW) Regional Jail on unrelated charges.

While investigating, Ofc. Kniatt utilized the Culpeper Police Department’s Real Time Crime and Information Center to develop a suspect vehicle description, which was entered into the Flock ALPR alert system. That evening, Woodstock Police Department received an alert that the suspect vehicle had entered into their jurisdiction. Officers quickly located Robinson at a gas station and took him into custody on outstanding warrants unrelated to Culpeper PD’s investigation.

The other occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee the gas station in the involved vehicle. Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office conducted a successful traffic stop on the vehicle and detained all of its occupants. Two of the vehicle’s occupants were arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants.

Based on the current evidence, Robinson unsuccessfully attempted to cash the fraudulent check at a financial institution in Warrenton, VA. When Robinson attempted to cash the fraudulent check at two different financial institutions in the Town of Culpeper, staff contacted law enforcement.

“Officer Kniatt’s excellent work and the swift response from our law enforcement partners show the power of teamwork,” said Chief Chris Settle. “This is exactly how we keep our community safe.”

The Culpeper Police Department thanks the Woodstock Police Department and Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Ofc. Kniatt at 540-829-0000 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.org.

Attached photo: Kenneth Robinson, 44, of District Heights, MD

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Contact: Master Police Officer Julia Cole

Email: JCole@culpeperva.gov

Phone: 540-829-5525

September 4, 2025

JC-2025-22