Man Arrested After Writing Fraudulent Checks

(UNDATED) – A Bartholomew County man was arrested after he stole more than $2,000 worth of merchandise from local businesses in Seymour and Columbus using fraudulent checks.

Archie Horton

Police arrested 45-year-old Archie Ray Horton, of Columbus, on charges of fraud against a bank/financial institution, a Level 5 felony, theft with an unrelated prior conviction, a Level 6 felony; and a misdemeanor charge of check fraud.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department deputies were contacted by Prewitt Outdoor Power in Seymour claiming they had received a check from Horton for payment of two chainsaws, totaling $738.28. The check was returned due to insufficient funds.

Horton told the police he would pay for the items and wrote the check by mistake, but Prewitt never paid for the merchandise.

Police then checked Horton’s bank record and found a history of writing fraudulent checks at businesses in Columbus and Seymour.

A warrant was issued for Horton’s arrest April 14 by Jackson Circuit Court Judge Richard W. Poynter.

Horton was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown at 5:03 p.m. Wednesday.

A Level 5 felony carries a sentence of one to six years with an advisory sentence of three years if convicted.