Authorities say couple stole checkbook, forged checks

Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 21, 2012

SALISBURY — A Salisbury couple is in jail after authorities said they stole a checkbook from a family member and forged more than $300 in checks.
Mitchell Dwayne Cook and his wife Crystal Rowland were charged Thursday, according to a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office report.
Cook’s father, Steve, told deputies Tuesday his 35-year-old son admitted to taking checks while on a fishing trip last weekend, the report said.
Rowland filled out the checks and signed Steve Cook’s name at the bottom, the report said.
Deputies said Mitchell would then sign the back of the check and cash it at a convenience store on Bringle Ferry Road.
Nine checks were cashed, all under $40.
Deputies arrested the couple on East Innes Street Thursday morning.
Rowland, 38, of Quail Meadow Lane, was charged with nine counts of felony forgery. Cook, of Beagle Club Road, was charged with nine counts of felony uttering a forged instrument.
They were each placed under a $50,000 bond.