Three individuals were recently arrested in Columbia after a search warrant was executed on a residence. The Missouri law enforcement officers were initially searching for one individual who was suspected of forging numerous checks. Now, each of the three accused men is likely focused on preparing his criminal defense alongside legal counsel.
The investigation allegedly began at an undisclosed date when the officers were alerted to a potential fraudulent check scheme. The investigators claim that the 31-year-old individual had supposedly attempted to cash 13 fraudulent checks at two local supermarkets, and he allegedly succeeded in cashing nine of them. Six of the nine checks supposedly totaled around $4,000, but the officers were unable to determine the amounts of the remaining three purportedly fraudulent checks.
The authorities executed a search warrant for the individual’s residence. On the man’s property, the investigators claim to have found multiple fraudulent checks, alleged forging instruments and three small bags of heroin. A 45-year-old man and a 46-year-old man were arrested at the residence and charged with one count each of suspicion of forgery. The owner of the residence was arrested on multiple charges, including six counts of suspicion of forgery, possession of forging instruments and distribution of a controlled substance.
Despite whatever evidence the Missouri authorities initially believe to have against the individuals, the accused men remain innocent until, and only if, proven guilty in court. Furthermore, no conviction can be obtained without the presentation of evidence that meets an exacting standard. Each of the three men has the opportunity to gather information pertaining to his specific circumstances in an effort to make what he feels to be the most beneficial decisions in his criminal defense.
Source: columbiatribune.com, “Police arrest three suspected of forgery“, March 26, 2015