A Georgia man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly attempting to use someone else’s check to purchase a motorcycle, with the alleged victim claiming he had been scammed by the same individual before.

Attempted Motorcycle Purchase Raises Red Flags

Nicholas Ryan Clifton, 43, visited a Harley-Davidson dealership on Thornton Road in Lithia Springs on May 15, seeking to purchase a 2026 Harley-Davidson RH975S Nightster Special. According to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office incident report, the dealership required a $1,500 down payment. Clifton told employees he could not withdraw funds from his account due to an ongoing divorce, requesting alternative payment arrangements.

Three days later, on May 18, Clifton emailed the dealership a check for the required down payment. The check bore the name Leonard C. Wood. Clifton explained to dealership staff that Wood was providing the down payment on his behalf, appearing to legitimize the transaction.

Victim Denies Authorization and Reports Prior Fraud

A manager at the dealership contacted Wood directly to verify the transaction. Wood denied sending the check to the Harley-Davidson dealership and stated he did not know Clifton. Wood made an additional concerning revelation: Clifton had previously scammed him by taking money from his account. The dealership immediately alerted law enforcement to the suspected fraudulent transaction.

Deputies attempted to contact Wood for further information but were unsuccessful in reaching him. The investigation proceeded based on the initial report and the dealership manager’s statement regarding his conversation with Wood.

Arrest and Serious Charges Filed

Authorities arrested Clifton on September 17, approximately four months after the alleged attempted fraud. He faces multiple serious charges: criminal attempt to commit a felony, third-degree forgery, identity fraud, and exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder persons and residents, along with obstruction of investigation. The severity of the charges reflects the alleged targeting of a vulnerable individual and the deliberate nature of the suspected scheme.

Case Awaits Court Proceedings

The allegations contained in the sheriff’s office incident report have not been adjudicated in court. Clifton will face the charges through the legal system, where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case highlights the importance of verification procedures at businesses accepting checks and the vulnerabilities that fraud creates for victims whose financial information has been compromised. Law enforcement continues investigating whether additional victims may exist.