I would tell the tenant that you believe they forged the payment receipt and tell them you are filing a criminal report.

For example,   with limited exceptions you cannot screen for criminal history,   you cannot evict anybody (even under "normal" circumstances - we are still in the extended covid eviction protection period) during "winter" months or if they have kids or are in any way involved with the school system.   

Luckily they have already met all the requirements for credit check, criminal, eviction, etc.

HUD criminal investigation division can make requests to any federal agency.But, if you just follow what's usual and customary you'll never be sent to a foreign country for questioning or reported as "Lost at Sea" :)

I personally view non payment of rent as a morally criminal act, not legally, but would obviously like to see it as criminal in the eyes of the law.

And totally didn’t know about the govt thing with the criminals.

Its free just type in the persons name and anything they have been charged criminal or civil shows up . 

Please research the laws for Maryland as every state is different:In Texas, you will not be prosecuted for a bad check to a landlord. 

In MA they do prosecute so i wouldnt say you cant apply.

He does have a stable job, pretty good credit, no criminal convictions (that I know of), and is generally a honorable person (as in I lent him money in the past and it was always paid back with interest).