Multiple Charges Filed In Financial Scam

Following an investigation that started in April 2003, police this week lodged multiple charges against two people in connection with an illicit check-cashing scheme.

The criminal case concerns the theft and forgery of approximately 50 checks, involving the loss of more than $11,000,  police said.

On January 14, police charged Justin Doutney, 23, of 11 Oakview Road on a court warrant listing 41 counts of second degree forgery, one count of first degree larceny, and one count of conspiracy to commit first degree larceny. Police allege Doutney forged and cashed 41 checks between September 2002 and January 2003, which were worth an aggregate amount of $9,135. 

Failing to post a $100 bond, police transported Doutney to Danbury Superior Court for arraignment on January 14.

On January 9, police charged Nicole Bell-Hill, 19, of 65 High Rock Road with nine counts of second degree forgery, one count of first degree larceny, and one count of conspiracy to commit first degree larceny. Police allege Bell-Hill stole nine checks between September 2002 and January 2003, which were worth an aggregate amount of $1,980. 

After processing her arrest, police released Bell-Hill on $100 bail for a January 23 appearance to answer the charges in Danbury Superior Court.