Columbia man charged with stealing, forgery after being accused of writing forged checks

A Columbia man was charged with stealing and forgery after Columbia police accused him of writing forged checks.

According to the probable cause statement, Columbia police responded to Roberts and Company for a past fraud.

Police said a witness stated multiple checks were forged and cashed from a client’s account.

The witness said the forged checks were for business Golden Green Alternative Oil, and the money was taken from the business’ Landmark Bank account.

Police said the witness first noticed the forged checks at the beginning of September when he checked the balance for the account online; the witness said the account was overdrawn.

The witness told police that when he looked at the forged checks online, he noticed the check numbers had not been used yet and the signature did not match Golden Green Alternative Oil owner’s signature.

Police were able to obtain eight forged checks, three with the name of Noah Futura on them.

Police said Futura cashed three forged checks for a total value of $2,316.75.

Police said the eight forged checks totaled $6,229.48.

Police spoke with the Golden Green Alternative Oil owner, who said the names on the forged checks did not have permission to use the account or write checks.

Police said they obtained security footage from Landmark Bank and officers identified Futura.

ABC17 previously reported on Futura being accused of driving with road rage and shooting at another vehicle on Sept. 13.