Forgery crime spree in Hope; as many as 12 suspects involved
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: December 8, 2010
Investigators of the Hope Police Department are investigating a recent rash of forgeries that have occurred at several business in the City of Hope, AR. The targeted business appear to be Hispanic-owned businesses and the suspects are identified as being of Hispanic decent.
On Dec. 1, several Hispanic males entered 13 Brothers Meat Market in Hope. Each presented what appeared to be Husqvarna Forestry payroll checks, requesting to have the checks cashed. All the suspects were described as Hispanic males in their mid 20's, medium build, and wearing baggy clothes. The checks were later returned to the business by the bank refusing payment for the counterfeit checks.
On Nov. 26, 12 Hispanic males entered La Michoacaita business in Hope and cashed 12 payroll checks that appeared to be from Husqvarna Forestry. The checks later were returned to the business, unpaid.
On Nov. 25, four Hispanic males entered Novedade's Rosy, in Hope and attempted to cash what appeared to be Husqvarna Forestry payroll checks. The clerk at this business cashed only one of the checks and refused to cash any more. The suspects then left the business in a light green car. The car had a license plate protector over the license plate. The license plate protector had what appeared to be a duck on it. One of the suspects in this theft presented a Salvadorian identification card to the clerk.
The Hope Police Department has received information that the same scam may have occurred in Nashville, AR a few days prior to the Hope incidents. It is suspected that the same individuals may move on to neighboring towns and cities to conduct the same type of scam. Anyone with information about these crimes should contact Detective Andrew Watson of the Hope Police Department at 870-722-2563, or the local police department.
