Counterfeit Check Ring: Two Busted In Stafford, Fredericksburg

STAFFORD, VA — Two women have been arrested for their roles in a counterfeit check ring targeting banks in Stafford and Fredericksburg, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Christina Easter was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses and forgery/uttering. Shakia Manning was charged with conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses and forgery/uttering. Both were released on bond, and Fredericksburg Police are investigating a third suspect, as well.

On Oct. 2, police began investigating reports of two checks that appeared to be phony. One was written to Manning for $2,056.66 and one to Easter for $1,863.22. One was cashed at the BB&T on Warrenton Road and the other at the BB&T on Jefferson Davis Highway. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

During the investigation, Fredericksburg Police told Stafford detectives that Manning had been arrested Sept. 28 for passing a forged check at a Bank of America in Fredericksburg. They also found that Manning, Easter and a third suspect had tried to cash counterfeit checks of several United Bank branches. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 540-658-4400.

Photos: Stafford County Sheriff's Office