Bemidji Bank Case Brings Felony Forgery Charge

Bemidji Bank Case Brings Felony Forgery Charge

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — An Illinois man faces a felony check forgery charge in Beltrami County.

Thomas W. Stiles is accused of trying to pass two forged checks at Bemidji-area banks.

The alleged transactions happened on September 15, 2023, according to the criminal complaint.

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court as 04-CR-23-2650.

Bank Reports Suspected Forged Checks

Bemidji police responded to Security Bank USA on Paul Bunyan Drive Northwest around 5 p.m.

A bank employee reported that two people had attempted to deposit four suspected fraudulent checks.

The complaint says the same individuals visited both Security Bank locations in Beltrami County.

Investigators received copies of the checks and identification information used during the transactions.

Police also reviewed surveillance video from the bank locations.

The footage allegedly showed two men entering the banks and attempting to cash checks.

Investigators identified Stiles as one of the men shown in the surveillance footage.

Two Checks Total More Than $8,500

Prosecutors say Stiles attempted to pass one check for $3,960.13.

He allegedly attempted to pass a second check for $4,590.

The two checks had a combined face value of $8,550.13.

Both checks appeared to come from the Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer, according to the complaint.

Investigators later obtained affidavits stating that the checks were forged.

The complaint alleges Stiles possessed or offered the checks with an intent to defraud.

The charge applies because the alleged total value exceeded $2,500.

Felony Charge Filed

Stiles faces one felony count of offering or possessing a forged check with intent to defraud.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $20,000.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.631 for check forgery laws.

Additional court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charge is an allegation and has not been proven in court.

Stiles is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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