Ashley Marie White, 31, of Austin was charged with felony check forgery – offer or possess with intent to defraud – on Friday in Mower County District Court.

According to the court complaint, police were dispatched on Oct. 1 to an Austin Kwik Trip store on a report that a woman was trying to cash a forged check. An employee told police that White came into the store and was exhibiting erratic behavior. He said she appeared to be under the influence of drugs and attempted to pay for items valued at $42.35 with a partially filled out check.

The employee observed White write the amount on the check and then claim she did not have any identification with her and that there was a driver’s license number on the check. The employee told her he could not take the check and White briefly argued with him before leaving the store.

He provided police with the check, which the Kwik Trip corporate office confirmed was “bad.” An officer ran the driver’s license number, which came back to “Robert Collins,” a man who is currently incarcerated in prison. The check was drawn on a “State Bank of Clarks Grove” account that belonged to two female business owners. The office made contact with one of the account owners and was told the account had been “closed for years.” She said the checks were supposed to be shredded, but had been thrown into a dumpster. She also said she had received reports of people forging the checks in Austin and Albert Lea.

The officer was able to identify White on the surveillance video.

A review of White’s criminal record shows prior convictions for check forgery and drug possession.

White will appear in court again on Nov. 21.