Tina Collins
ATHENS-Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson released a statement concerning theft of property and cashing stolen checks dating back to May 2, 2016:
“On May 2, 2016 First National Bank notified our department they had cashed 4 forged checks. Two of the checks were cashed at their Hwy 72 branch and the other 2 was cashed at the Jefferson Street branch. Investigator Kelly Fussell was assigned the case. Fussell worked with First National’s staff to obtain video and the information used to cash the checks.
The result of the investigation showed Tina Collins had cashed two of the checks one at each branch locations about 30 minutes apart. The total of the checks was $3206.16. Michael Christian Stoltzfus cashed the other two checks one at both branches and about 30 minutes apart. The total of those checks were $3163.00. Fussell obtained a warrant for theft of property 1st degree for both Collins and Stoltzfus.
Lamar Jerome Sims Jr.
Yesterday our department was notified by First National Bank that Collins had returned to their Jefferson Street branch and trying to cash another check. They refused to cash the check and Collins left. Officer Brandon McCuiston later stopped the vehicle she was traveling in on South Jefferson Street. In the vehicle Officers found Collins, Lamar Jerome Sims Jr. and Javon C Thomas. Collins was arrested on the warrant for theft of property 1st degree warrant and also charged with one count of possession of forged instruments 3rd degree.
After a search warrant was executed on the vehicle 6
Javon C Thomas
other checks were located in the car.
was charged with one count of theft of property 1st degree. And 6 counts of possession of forged instruments 3rd degree.
was charged with 6 counts of possession of forged instruments 3rd degree. Sims was charged with theft because He receiving the money from the checks being cashed and then paying others for cashing them. The investigation into this case is continuing and more arrest is expected.
Collins, Sims and Thomas were all booked at the police department and transferred to the county jail. “
