Police Bust Bogus Check Operation

East Providence police seized electronic gear from a room at a Rumford motel last Thursday, Dec. 6, that they believe was being used to print counterfeit checks.

The two laptops, two printers and other electronics gear were seized after an investigation into a shoplifting complaint from Rite Aid pharmacy led them to the room at America’s Best Value Inn.

Jerry Zeah, 23, of Providence, was arrested at the room after he admitted stealing a Craig Tablet worth $129 from the Rite Aid earlier that day. Police responded to a call from security officers around 10:52 am. They identified Zeah as a shoplifter.

Police also found in the room a counterfeit check that appeared to have been written on an account from a California company. A call to that company confirmed that the check was bogus and written on an account that had been closed because of a previous attempt to get $47,000 from the account with a counterfeit check.

Zeah was the only person connected to the motel room who was charged last week, according to the East Providence police. He faces shoplifting, forgery and counterfeiting, and conspiracy charges.