Possible counterfeiters jailed

GONZALES — Two women were recently arrested in connection with the passing of counterfeit checks as well as stolen names, social security numbers and bank account information.

On June 23, Capt. Allen Taylor and Investigator Jason Montoya were called to Sage Capital Bank in reference to a report of three counterfeit checks on two customer checking accounts. During the early stages of the investigation they identified two suspects — one being Betty Louise Perez, 46, and the other a Kristine Kay Trench, also 46.

Police obtained warrants for their arrest on June 28 charging both with fraudulent use of or possession of identifying information. A search warrant was also obtained through a district judge, Taylor said.

“During the execution of that search warrant [Perez] was arrested and taken into custody,” Taylor said. “Numerous documents were found in Perez’s home that contained numerous social security numbers, names and bank account numbers. Also collected was a printer, laptops, blank checks, ink and pens — essential items for a counterfeiter.”

Taylor said the electronic items collected will be sent to a forensics lab.

During the investigation, Taylor, Montoya and Officer Alberto Carrera met with Hallettsville police as well as Lavaca County sheriff’s deputies, who helped find and arrest Trench, who was residing in Lavaca County. Trench faces the same charge as Perez, Taylor said.

“The case is still under investigation,” Taylor said, “as we try to sort out [from where] the documents were obtained.”

The Gonzales Police Department urges people to shred old or unused bank account documents in order to help prevent this kind of theft.