Cape man accused of cashing $3,700 with stolen checks

From July 19 through Wednesday, a Cape Girardeau man cashed $3,700 worth of stolen checks at a local bank, police said.

Cape Girardeau police arrested Terelle Dominic Hobbs, 26, on Friday. The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Hobbs with forgery and misdemeanor receiving stolen property.

First State Community Bank regional vice president Joshua Carter reported to police Hobbs had cashed checks for $637 on July 19, $700 on July 21, $800 on July 25, $714 on July 26 and $900 on Wednesday, according to a probable-cause statement filed by Cape Girardeau police officer Joshua Potts.

The checks belonged to Dickies Lawn Service LLC, and the company told the bank several of their checks had been stolen Wednesday, Potts wrote.

Hobbs provided a Missouri driver’s license with each transaction, and the license was photocopied, according to the statement. Carter also provided video footage of Hobbs cashing the checks and a picture of Hobbs cashing a check, Potts wrote.

While Potts and Carter were talking, Carter said Hobbs was trying to cash a check from Dickies Lawn Service First Community Bank, at 1602 N. Kingshighway, according to the statement.

Potts saw Hobbs leaving the bank, conducted a traffic stop and placed Hobbs under arrest, according to the statement. Potts found more checks from Dickies Lawn Service LLC made out to a different man under the driver’s-side floor mat of Hobbs’ vehicle, Potts wrote.

In the center console, Hobbs had blank checks that belonged to two other people, according to the statement. Potts checked with Cape Girardeau Police detective Jeff Lucas, who confirmed Hobbs had no reason to have those checks in his possession, Potts wrote.

Hobbs provided a written statement describing how he acquired the checks after Potts read him his Miranda Rights, according to the statement.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 1602 Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO