1. if the card/credit card check is not his then its credit card fraud,and uttering a forged instruments,both a felony in any state.
2. you do not need to look for wanted man with a stolen gun!!! let the law do that with a warrant! dont worry if they dont find him right away warrants stay active till served.no matter what it will unfourtunatly be some time before you see any compensation, usually after the court case is done.
3. yes prosecute! you didnt overlook something, the guy gave you the number to a phone booth and a bogus work place so he intended to defraud you.
4. if its dropped to a misdemeanor from a felony then the charge will most likley be issuing worthless checks.
5. when the case goes to court contact your state attorny handling the case and let them know that you want the money your owed. i have delt with victims who never get compensated and after the court case is done you wont get anything if the judge doesnt order it from the defendant at sentencing.most times i see that is when the defendant pleas out before the court date to get a lighter sentence.that can happen before you know it.some states have a victims compensation form.
good luck. von mckenzie