Stolen check leads to fraud and drug arrest in La Grande
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, September 10th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – At around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 40-year-old John Sebastian Villanueva was arrested by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the La Grande Police Department, and charged with Fraud and Forgery II, with a later charge of PCS Controlled Substance by the LGPD.
The arrest occurred at 1505 26th street in La Grande. Officers were originally called to the scene for a report of a potential burglary at the business. During the investigation, it was reported by a UCSO deputy that Villanueva had stolen a check belonging to someone else and had attempted to use it via online banking. The Deputy then had probable cause to arrest Villanueva on charges of Fraud and Forgery II.
Following the initial investigation, LGPD were then asked to transport Villanueva to the Union County Jail. During their contact with him, fentanyl was discovered on Villanueva’s person, resulting in the PCS Controlled Substance charge.
