BECKER COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Adrian Jay Hawkman, 40, of Fargo, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony check forgery. On May 2, 2024, Hawkman cashed a $3,868.41 check at the American National Bank in Detroit Lakes, using a valid North Dakota ID. Bank staff became suspicious due to his concealed appearance and confirmed the check was forged, as the check numbers had never been issued. The business owners also verified they had not written the check.
On March 5, 2025, Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Hawkman to 15 months in prison and stayed for five years. He was ordered to serve 48 days in jail (with credit for time served), pay $3,868.41 in restitution, a $1,000 fine, and $160 in court fees. Hawkman will be on supervised probation for five years, during which he must discuss his finances with a probation agent twice a year, abstain from alcohol and nonprescribed drugs, and complete cognitive skill training as directed.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, felony check forgery can result in up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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Banks use various security measures to detect forged checks, including verifying check numbers and consulting with deposit operation teams.
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Probation conditions often include financial counseling and behavioral interventions to prevent recidivism.