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Last updated on Thursday, March 27, 2014
(BLOOMINGTON) - Three men from Columbus, Ohio were arrested by Bloomington Police after they attempted to purchase more than $1,000 worth of merchandise Sunday from Best Buy with fake traveler’s checks.
According to police, 41-year-old Leearl Chapman entered the store on East Third Street and purchased $906.58 worth of merchandise including a $179 gift card.
Chapman walked out of the store and got into a 2013 Dodge Charger rental car and gave the gift card to 47-year-old Arthur Jennings.
Then 39-year-old David Robinson entered the store and attempted to buy $421.47 worth of merchandise with a fake traveler's checks. He left the store after employees realized they had just sold Chapman merchandise with a fake check.
According to Lt. Steve Kellams, when police arrived, they found Robinson in the parking lot and Chapman in the car, with Jennings hiding in the back seat. Kellams says the men used the fake checks at several businesses around Bloomington and in several other cities and states. Police found items purchased at Kmart, Staples and Best Buy in the vehicle.
Chapman allegedly admitted the men drove to Bloomington because of their lenient traveler's check policy.
Jennings told police he acted as the lookout and driver for Chapman and Robinson and admitted to knowing the checks were fake.
Kellams says Chapman was also wanted on a U.S. Marshal's warrant for federal fraud, and Robinson and Jennings are on probation for fraud.
All three men were arrested on felony charges of forgery. Chapman and Robinson are also facing felony charges of theft.
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