Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Casey Michael Wheeler, 34, of rural Ogema, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony check forgery.
According to court records, on May 22, 2023, a sheriff’s investigator obtained three copies of checks written to Wheeler, totaling $1,450. The checks, provided by an individual identified as JW, were accompanied by an affidavit of forgery stating the checks were unauthorized. Officers compared the signatures on the checks with jail records containing Wheeler’s signature and noted similarities.
Wheeler claimed that JW had given him the checks but stated JW had not signed them. However, JW denied Wheeler’s account, stating they never provided the checks. Surveillance footage from Bremer Bank, dated June 15, 2023, showed a man resembling Wheeler in a white car at the drive-through.
On August 23, District Judge Michelle W. Lawson issued a stay of imposition on the felony charge. If Wheeler successfully completes probation, the conviction will be reduced to a misdemeanor. Wheeler served 168 days in jail, with credit for time served, and was fined $1,150. He was ordered to pay $1,450 in restitution, complete a comprehensive assessment with aftercare, and remain on supervised probation for five years.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me