BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) – The woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars in gold coins and antique toys by using fake checks at local auctions has been caught in Benton County, according to local police.
Brenda Delores Melville, 39, was arrested Monday following a search by authorities. She remains in the Benton County Jail awaiting a bond hearing, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Melville allegedly walked into auctions in both Fayetteville and Springdale, bidding high on several items. She then collected her items after paying with fake checks, according to police.
“It is a big hit. I got to pay it,” said Donnie Guthery, owner of Guthery Auctions.
Donnie Guthery said his auction house was hit by a theft this past weekend, more than $4,100 in merchandise stolen.
Guthery says his bank ultimately noticed the check was fake.
“They said it was done on Office Depot paper, and on a computer program,” Guthery said.
Guthery`s employee grew suspicious of the woman when she was at the auction. Guthery said they asked to see her identification card. However, that card seemed to only confirm that she was legitimate at the time.
“The driver`s license matched the check” Guthery said.
The woman`s false identity was listed on both her I.D. and checkbook as “Jade Ann Wilson” of Missouri.
Police said fraudulent checks are hard to spot.
“To the untrained eye, it can be very difficult,” said Sgt. Craig Stout with the Fayetteville Police Department.
