Police have charged a New Jersey man with theft after he allegedly tricked a Pennsylvania videographer into filming a documentary under false pretenses and then attempted to pay with a fraudulent check.

According to Warrington Township Police, Nelson Elberto Garcia, 58, contacted a local video production business in 2024 claiming to be a wealthy client developing a film connected to the September 11 attacks. Garcia reportedly told the videographer that he had lost his parents in the tragedy and wished to produce a documentary centered on that personal history.

Investigators say the videographer and an assistant traveled to Edison, N.J., on August 30, 2024, at Garcia’s request. The team recorded approximately three hours of footage during the session. Garcia paid the videographer $2,500 by check and asked that it not be deposited until September 4.

When the check was submitted for processing, the videographer’s bank reported that the account was closed. Multiple attempts to contact Garcia went unanswered, prompting the videographer to notify police.

Following an investigation, Warrington Township detectives identified Garcia as the suspect and obtained a warrant. He was taken into custody on October 23 by the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Warrington for processing.

Garcia is charged with theft of services, a third-degree felony, and issuing bad checks. He was arraigned and released on $25,000 unsecured bail, according to court records.

The case adds to a series of recent incidents involving photographers and videographers targeted in payment-related scams. Law enforcement agencies have advised creative professionals to be cautious when receiving post-dated or overpayment checks from unfamiliar clients.

Garcia’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled. Police say the investigation remains active.