The Austin Police Department’s investigation into the theft and forgery of checks from The Joseph Co.

Thursday, November 16, 2000

The Austin Police Department’s investigation into the theft and forgery of checks from The Joseph Co. is producing some results.

Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp said today, "Several suspects are believed to be involved in cashing the checks."

Two payroll clerks discovered the theft of blank checks stored in offices at The Joseph Co., 2003 14th St. NE.

A total of 68 checks were found missing in the amount of $59,483. The thefts apparently occurred in early October.

According to the police chief, the checks were cashed at several local financial institutions.

Investigators believe the people cashing the checks are men from Rochester, the Twin Cities and other places who came to Austin to work on roofing projects.

"Information keeps coming in daily, but it will take a fair amount of time to complete the investigation," Philipp said.

While an "inside" connection to the check thefts and forgeries is not being discounted, Philipp said, "Our focus in the investigation has moved to people outside the business now."