HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – A Havre County man pleaded not guilty in Hill County District Court on Monday to two felony counts related to an alleged check forging scheme.
Joshua Glen Reid pleaded not guilty to the felonies of theft and forgery by common scheme.
Court documents allege that between January 14 and February 12, Reid forged checks in someone else’s name and attempted to cash them at local businesses. It is unclear how many of the checks were cashed.
A court affidavit also states Reid was arrested at his residence after his probation officer was informed of the situation. Reid admitted to stealing and writing all of the checks out to himself and told officers that he has gotten caught up in a dangerous situation with the “Mexican Cartel,” and had paid cartel members $7,500 of the money he had stolen.
Reid has previously been charged with theft by embezzlement, partner or family member assault and two counts of theft.
The theft by embezzlement count stems from a 2015-2016 case where Reid used a Duck Inn company credit card to make unauthorized purchases. He then sold the purchased items, which had a total value of nearly $4,000, to pawn shops.
Following the plea, the court allowed Reid to be released on his own recognizance, with an agreement to be under supervision of Probation and Parole.
No future court dates have been set.
