Man Charged With Cashing Forged Checks He Stole From Mailboxes
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DERRY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A man is facing charges for allegedly stealing checks from mailboxes in Westmoreland County, forging his name and cashing them at banks.
The suspect, identified as Drake White, 22, of New Derry, was charged on Monday. The thefts happened in Derry Twonship, McChesneytown and Latrobe.
In July, one victim said she filled out three checks for various bills and placed them in her mailbox to be picked up by her mail carrier. In September, the victim started receiving delinquent notices from two utility companies and a bank.
White reportedly forged his name and cashed the three bill payment checks, totaling more than $1,800.
Also in July, police say White forged his name and altered a $2,000 mortgage check that he took in Latrobe and made it out for $200.
White reportedly cashed the checks at a PNC Bank ATM in Unity Township. Police were able to identify him from ATM surveillance photos.
Police say when White was questioned, he told them he believed he used the money to buy drugs. When he was arrested, police says officers found a small amount of cocaine.
He is facing a list of charges including, forgery, access device fraud, theft, as well as drug possession.
White is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison. He has a preliminary hearing later this month.
