Arrests made in check-cashing ring

Carson City detectives have arrested several people for check counterfeiting.

According to detective Bob Motamenpour, at least seven people have been arrested in a "check cashing ring," in which checks were printed on a computer with the names of some legitimate businesses and others printed with fictitious names such as Burns Engineering.

In one instance, the account number for Carson City Justice Court was used on a counterfeit check.

"Their trick was to use proper bank routing numbers and different payees," Motamenpour said.

He said individuals would sometimes use their real names and other times fake names and cash the checks at casinos and check-cashing businesses in town.

Among those arrested were:

• Natalie Bourgeois, 29, was arrested Aug. 30 on suspicion of felony check forgery, obtaining money under false pretenses and misdemeanor possession of a hypodermic needle. Bail was set at $28,632.

• Laura Brzostowski, 27, was arrested Sept. 19, on suspicion of three felony counts of passing forged checks and three felony counts of obtaining money under false pretenses. Bail was set at $75,000.

• Crystal Annabel, 24, was arrested Sept. 14 on suspicion of felony prisoner with a controlled substance, two contempt warrants, uttering a forged instrument and obtaining money under false pretenses. As she was being booked on fraud and drug charges, methamphetamine was allegedly found during a strip search, according to the arrest report. Bail was set at $30,000.

• Michael Beveridge, 24, was arrested Sept. 14 on suspicion of three counts of felony uttering forged instruments, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and a Sparks warrant.

• Lisa Anne Lawson, 44, was arrested on suspicion of two felony counts of passing forged checks, two felony counts of obtaining money under false pretenses and burglary. Bail was set at $60,000.

Names of two others arrested in Lyon County were not available Wednesday.

Motamenpour estimates about $20,000 to $25,000 in checks were passed by the group.

"I know there are more people involved and we are still working on it," he said.