Hermiston police have arrested two women in connection with passing counterfeit payroll checks in the Hermiston area.
Briannna Marie Rocha, 19, 1150 S. Highway 395 #D49, Hermiston, and Alexandrea Maria Rogers, 22, 363 E. Highland Ave., Hermiston, were both arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in the production and passing of counterfeit payroll checks.
The arrests came on Thursday after members of the Hermiston Police Department executed a search warrant at Rocha’s residence as a result of a forgery investigation initiated on May 8.
Both Rocha and Rogers were charged with two counts of first-degree forgery, first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and first-degree theft. Rocha was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Both Rocha and Rogers were lodged at the Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton.
“Several computer items were seized from the apartment, yet this very much remains an active investigation as it is our belief other communities may have been impacted by this counterfeit ring,” said Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston. We do know of at least three legitimate businesses that have been targeted by this group. We would caution anyone cashing a check from Becker Construction, USA Subs & Grill, and Bealls with the names of Brianna Rocha and Alexandrea Rogers.”
Edmiston said additional arrests may be made in the case.
