Forged Ellis County Jail Checks Linked To Ex-Inmate

WAXAHACHIE (AP) - A North Texas jail will switch to debit cards to pay unused commissary funds to departing inmates after the lockup's account number was stolen.

Authorities say the investigation began in August when Ellis County Jail officials started getting collection letters for about $13,000 worth of bad checks.

WFAA-TV reported Tuesday night that five suspects have been arrested on charges of forgery and engaging in organized criminal activity. At least four more suspects are sought.

Deputies believe an ex-inmate, who remains at large, stole the jail's account number from a check he received for leftover commissary funds when he was released.

Lt. Jason Westmoreland says he's never seen someone use a law enforcement agency's checking account to commit forgeries.

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