By Amanda Hanson - bio | email feedback
JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – Happening across Arkansas, it's a wide-spread check fraud investigation that now has the Secret Service along side for the ride.
"They are just printing these off in a vast quantity, and it's stemmed from one thing and has just turned into a huge investigation," said Detective Vic Brooks with the Jonesboro Police Department.
It's a check fraud scheme that has linked together several different agencies, including the Jonesboro Police Department. Brooks says it all started after a woman was arrested and charged with Forgery of the First Degree.
"we confiscated of some counterfeit businesses checks on a business here in Jonesboro," said Brooks.
The woman accused of writing fraudulent business checks that were made to look like payroll checks from Staffmark. Brooks says it wasn't until further questioning, the case was linked to an even larger counterfeit check investigation.
"It's in access of one hundred thousand dollars, and this is probably just the tip of the iceberg," said Brooks.
He says the investigation has become so wide-spread the Secret Service has also stepped in.
A hand full of arrests and warrants have already been issued across Arkansas, and even into Missouri.
"Everyone that I know that has been taken into custody maybe close friends. We do know some of these individuals are related," said Brooks.
The fraudulent checks that have been passed off include both payroll checks, made to look like those for several local businesses, as well as stolen personal checks. And with the investigation still on going, Brooks warns businesses to keep an eye out.
"If they would take close notice some of them may not have the bank listed on them, and they may appear to be typed in for the name of the payee," said Brooks.
Brooks says more arrests are expected to be made. He adds, if you come across a check that looks suspicious, he suggests calling the business to find out if its legitimate.
According to investigating officers, the joint investigation will not be closed until all suspects are arrested.
If you have any further information on these cases, please contact Detective Branscum or Det. Vic Brooks.
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