DETECTIVES ARREST WOMAN FOR CASHING STOLEN CHECKS
On 09-24-15, AMSCOT associates reported to detectives that the suspect cashed a check at their Forest Oaks location. The check did not clear and was determined to have been drafted on a closed account. The check in question belonged to Jose Galarza and Lysaima Negron and contained a signature matching the name of Galarza.
Detectives obtained records of the transaction, including a copy of the suspect’s driver’s license, which was presented at the time of the transaction.
Detectives then presented a photo pack to AMSCOT associates in hopes of identifying a suspect. The suspect, Kendra Taschner, was positively identified as the individual that cashed the victim’s check.
While interviewing the victims, they advised they had also been the victims of an unreported Vehicle Burglary in early July. During the Vehicle Burglary, their checkbook was removed from their UNLOCKED car. The victims decided not to report the crime and to just cancel the account as a precaution.
Detectives showed Galarza and Negron photos of Taschner and a copy of the check. They both confirmed they did not know her and further confirmed that they never issued or signed the check that she cashed.
A warrant was obtained for Taschner’s arrest. On 10-30-15, she was arrested by Hernando County deputies. She was charged as follows:
– Forgery
– Uttering a Forged Instrument
– Petit Theft
– Bond – $4,500.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to remind citizens to always lock their vehicles!
Vehicle burglary is often a crime of opportunity. We find that the vast majority of the vehicles that get burglarized have unlocked doors. There are several things YOU can do to deter a thief from targeting YOUR vehicle:
– ALWAYS lock your vehicle when you leave it, even if you will only be away from it for a short time.
– NEVER leave valuables in your vehicle (i.e., iPods, cell phones, computers, purses, electronics of any sort, etc.).
– Do not leave loose change in your vehicle.
– NEVER leave a firearm in your vehicle. (If a thief gets your firearm, he/she is now armed and a greater threat to the community. This is especially true for the deputy that approaches that now-armed criminal.)
– If you have room in the garage, put the vehicle(s) in the garage (remove the temptation).
– Consider placing a RELIABLE alarm on vehicle(s) and be sure to activate the alarm each time you leave the vehicle.
