Rexburg man arrested for forgery and theft

A Rexburg man faces seven felony charges after allegedly forging checks to purchase merchandise he found listed on Craig’s List.

Evan Patrick Jones, 21, was arrested Friday for grand theft, using a computer to commit a theft, and five counts of forgery. Police recovered items valued at $37,400.

Investigation into the case began November 17.

Jones had been working at a Rexburg call center.

Captain Randy Lewis said police investigators determined Jones would make contact with people from the Rexburg area who were selling items on Craig’s List. He would use the fictitious name of “James Stinnger”.

They said he would set up late-night meetings with victims at local fast-food restaurants, then write them a check for the item. Police were called in when the checks began to bounce.

One of the restaurants used a surveillance camera and Lewis said that camera caught a picture of Jones’ vehicle and license plate.

Investigators said Jones obtained blank checks through Amazon using the name of Idaho Central Credit Union. They said he supplied Amazon with bogus routing numbers and personal information to obtain the checks.

Police presented a search warrant at Jones’ Rexburg residence at 935 Elizabeth Street on Friday. Lewis said police recovered items including 3 laptop computers, a 4-wheeler, and a drone. A missing i-phone was not recovered.

Jones was scheduled for arraignment Monday.