Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Lexington Woman Charged with Cashing Forged Checks

An investigation into forged checks in a financial office.

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Wendy Griffith, a 39-year-old from Lexington, faces serious legal charges for allegedly cashing over $56,000 in forged checks from her former employer, Webster’s Engine Alley. Accused of cashing 145 forged checks over a 20-month period, the financial impact on the business is estimated at over $52,000. Griffith, who worked at the company for 18 years, confessed to the crime after she was terminated. The upcoming arraignment is set for March 20, 2025, amidst ongoing investigations into the case.

Lexington – A 39-year-old woman from Lexington, Wendy Griffith, has been charged with cashing over $56,000 in forged checks from her former employer, Webster’s Engine Alley. This development follows an investigation initiated after the business owner reported the theft to local authorities in November 2024.

According to police reports, Griffith is accused of cashing a total of 145 forged checks valued at $56,678.30 between January 3, 2023, and September 16, 2024. The checks, which ranged in amount from $100 to $600, were cashed either directly at a local Mini Food Mart or were deposited into Griffith’s PayPal account.

The financial fallout from Griffith’s actions has been significant. After considering the payroll withholdings and paid-time-off accumulation, Webster’s Engine Alley has suffered a loss estimated at $52,421.18 due to the forgeries. This substantial figure highlights the impact of the alleged criminal activity on the small business, which has been a fixture in the local community.

Wendy Griffith’s employment history at Webster’s Engine Alley spans 18 years, during which she held various administrative positions. Despite her long tenure, she did not possess the authority to issue checks, which raises questions about the internal controls and oversight within the business. Griffith was terminated from her position on September 18, 2024, following revelations of her fraudulent activities; shortly after, she confessed to the crime.

In light of the charges, Griffith faces 145 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument along with one count of theft by deception involving amounts exceeding $10,000. These serious charges reflect the legal consequences of her actions and signify the severity of the alleged offenses.

The upcoming arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Fayette District Court. This court date marks the beginning of the legal proceedings against Griffith, where the evidence will be reviewed, and a determination will be made regarding her fate following the allegations.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance within businesses regarding financial practices, especially when it comes to checks and other payment forms. The situation also serves as a cautionary tale for employers about the potential risks of internal theft and fraud, particularly from long-term employees who might have significant access to financial resources.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the alleged criminal activities and their ramifications for Webster’s Engine Alley and the local community. The business community in Lexington is watching closely as this case unfolds, hoping for resolution and justice in the wake of the reported financial wrongdoing.