Illinois man arrested after nearly $160K boat purchased with bad check, deputies say

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) – The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a boat purchased with a bad check was recovered in Illinois.

Deputies were contacted by a local business at about 2:35 p.m. Tuesday regarding a 2023 Tige 24-foot boat that had been purchased with a check for nearly $160,000. Investigators said the business later learned the funds were insufficient.

During the investigation, deputies were contacted by a manager who said an Illinois resident had inquired about the boat and was familiar with the person operating it. Authorities learned the boat had been seen on Rend Lake about 20 to 30 minutes before the call.

The sheriff’s office contacted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and shared information about the stolen boat. Investigators said Franklin County deputies were already familiar with the boat and the suspect.

Deputies later located the boat at a marina slip, along with the suspect and trailer.

Authorities said 24-year-old Travis Riechman of Benton, Illinois, was taken into custody on an Illinois charge of possession of a stolen vehicle. The boat and trailer were recovered for the business.

The sheriff’s office said additional local charges could be filed.

The investigation involved assistance from Paducah E-911 Dispatch, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Dispatch.