July 1, 2009

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is investigating 3 business burglaries where business account checks had been stolen. The locations are Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co. Inc. (1383 West North Street) where 82 checks were stolen, Stevens Contractors LLC (422 East Avenue A) where 100 checks were stolen, and Lee Haworth Construction Co. Inc (348 East Avenue A) where 24 checks were stolen.

The burglaries were reported on June 23, 2009 and it is believed the burglaries occurred sometime between June 15th-June 22nd, 2009.

So far 47 forged checks have been passed through various banks and businesses. The local businesses include the Sunflower Banks branches, the local Bennington State branches, and Speedy Cash. So far it has been reported that 2 checks have been passed in Ellsworth, 2 checks in Abilene, and 2 checks in McPherson. Total loss reported from the forged checks is $40,464.79.

The sheriff’s office is requesting assistance from the public in identifying the 8 Hispanic men that passed the stolen forged checks. It is believed the suspects visited local businesses; either looking for employment or acting like they were there on business.

If anyone has any information as to the identity of these suspects or has had contact with them recently, contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 826-6500 or Crimestoppers at (785) 825-TIPS.