Woman arrested for theft and forgery
By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 1st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton police expect more arrests will follow after a woman was taken into custody for first-degree theft, first degree forgery, and other charges on Tuesday. Jennifer Marie Reser, 33, was taken into custody in the parking lot of the Dollar Tree on Tuesday.
Police Chief Chuck Byram said that Reser is one of several suspects who allegedly was involved in stealing and washing checks and then cashing or attempting to cash them throughout the area. The investigation was launched by a patrol officer on Oct. 13, when a victim called police to report that several checks he had made out to different businesses and put in his mailbox for pickup had been stolen.
“It appeared that the suspect(s) washed the checks, filled them out in their name(s) and attempted to cash them at the victim’s bank, First Community Credit Union,” Byram wrote in an email. “Bank employees became suspicious of the transaction(s) and notified the victim who, in turn, contacted Pendleton police.”
Byram said that the investigation led police to identify several suspects. One of those cashed a stolen check in Kennewick, based on video surveillance. He added that more arrests and additional charges are expected in the case.
Reser is known to law enforcement. This is her 10th arrest in the Pendleton and the surrounding areas. In addition to the two major felony charges, she is also charged with negotiating a bad check and criminal conspiracy.
“This is a good time to point out during the holiday season that there are individuals out in our community actively looking to take advantage of targets of opportunity,” Byram stated. “Please ensure that we are doing what is possible to safeguard our property and report anything or anyone that appears to be suspicious.”
