Kansas Woman Accused of Multi-State Bank Fraud Arrested in Canada After Police Chase

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A Kansas woman wanted in connection with a multi-state bank fraud investigation has been arrested in Canada after leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit that crossed the U.S. border, police confirmed.

According to the Houlton Police Department in Maine, 37-year-old Rachael Kennedy of Kansas was taken into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on October 24 after allegedly using a fake passport to attempt a theft at a Katahdin Trust Bank branch in Houlton.

Police: Chase Crossed the U.S.–Canada Border

Authorities said Kennedy entered the bank around 4:40 p.m. and tried to access funds using falsified identification. Officers were called to the scene after staff became suspicious, and Police Chief Timothy DeLuca said Kennedy was spotted running from the bank moments later.

She then reportedly got into a light blue Chevrolet driven by 31-year-old Rashidah Henry of Georgia, who refused to pull over when officers attempted a traffic stop.

“The pursuit went north on I-95 and continued all the way to the U.S.–Canada port of entry,” Chief DeLuca said.

Houlton officers eventually called off the chase as the suspects crossed into Canada, where RCMP took over the search. Both women were arrested hours later and lodged at Aroostook County Jail.

Suspects Face Multiple Charges

Kennedy was charged with forgery and criminal attempted theft, with bail set at $7,000. Henry faces charges of eluding an officer, criminal conspiracy, driving to endanger, and operating without a license, with bail set at $5,000.

Both suspects are also being investigated for similar incidents across multiple states, authorities confirmed.

Linked to Nebraska Bank Fraud Cases

Kennedy is accused of stealing nearly $30,000 from banks in western Nebraska, including Alliance, Rushville, and Bridgeport, by using fake identification to withdraw funds from unsuspecting customers’ accounts.

Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt said Kennedy had been under investigation since mid-October, when surveillance images surfaced showing her allegedly impersonating account holders inside local bank branches.

“She was able to deceive tellers and walk out with thousands of dollars using high-quality fake IDs,” Leavitt said. “We had been tracking her movements across Nebraska and neighboring states.”

The Alliance Police Department released the suspect’s image on October 22, warning other agencies of her activity.

Multi-State Investigation Continues

Authorities say Kennedy and Henry may be linked to a larger fraud ring operating across several states, targeting banks through identity theft and counterfeit identification schemes.

The investigation now includes cooperation between Maine State Police, the RCMP, and multiple Midwestern law enforcement agencies, including departments in Nebraska and Kansas.

Officials said they are reviewing whether the pair could face federal charges given the interstate and international scope of the crimes.

Community Impact and Next Steps

Residents in western Nebraska and northern Maine have expressed concern over the growing number of bank fraud cases involving cross-state suspects. Police are urging local banks to tighten verification procedures and for residents to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.

Kennedy and Henry are expected to face extradition proceedings as the case expands to include other states.

For continued updates on this developing case, visit NapervilleLocal.com.