KINGSTON, N.Y. -- State Police have arrested a man they say stole $360,000 through fake business transactions.

Police say John Benkert, 48, of Kingston, was stealing money from people by getting them to loan him money based on business dealings that did not exist. They say he also used forged documents to further defraud his victims.

Benkert has been charged with grand larceny, a felony, forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument. He was arraigned and released on $5,000 bail.

State Police in Kingston are asking anyone who may have had dealings with Benkert to call them at (845) 338-1702.