All reports are submitted by local police departments. Please note that some wording may be corrected or added for grammar by My County Link, but the facts of the reports always remain factual.
BAD CHECKS
January 28, 2025 – At approximately 1443 hours, I was dispatched to 125 East Main Street, Mercer Savings Bank, in reference to a complaint of passing bad checks.
Upon my arrival, I made contact with a Mercer Savings Bank employee, Mark Wheeler. Mark advised on January 15, 2025, Joyce Westfall came into the bank to cash a check from Faller Mechanical LLC. Mark was advised from other Mercer Savings Bank locations to be on the lookout for her due to her cashing checks from the same LLC at other locations. Mark advised when she cashed the check, check # 015116 for $1,975.08, she also provided a driver’s license, due to their policy. Mark stated Faller Mechanical LLC was made aware of the checks being cashed at all locations and has since closed their banking account. Mark was able to provide a copy of the check as well as a copy of the license he was presented which will be attached to this report.
I spoke with Lynn Faller, the account holder of Faller Mechanical LLC. Lynn advised she was made aware of the transactions and has since closed all accounts with Mercer Savings Bank. Lynn stated the checks that were cashed were not taken from her account, but possibly manufactured to appear similar. Lynn stated she was not held accountable for any of the transactions and is supposed to be reimbursed.
On January 31, 2025 I spoke with Mark Wheeler. Mark stated he had video from the Greenville branch as well as the others ready. Mark advised they have reimbursed Faller Mechanical LLC and were given a statement and victim rights form. Mark advised his boss would have to complete the forms and was advised to bring them back when completed to be attached to this report. The video from Mercer Savings Bank will be attached to this report.
I attempted to call Joyce with a number provided to me by Urbana Police Department. The number is no longer in service and I was unable to leave a message.
THEFT
January 27, 2025 – At approximately 1114 hours I responded to 915 East Main Street in the city of Greenville to a possible theft that had occurred.
Upon my arrival I spoke to Colleen Jessup, the victim who stated she had a portrait that was hand drawn by Paul Ackley that was stolen. Colleen advised the portrait was to be auctioned off for her fundraiser (3 Gals and Their Pals) Colleen stated she was the only one that handled the portrait. Colleen advised she was estimating the portrait to sell at the fundraiser for roughly $500
Colleen stated she had copies of the portrait done by Loudy’s (119 Martin Street in the city of Greenville) on 01/22/25 as well as the Daily Advocate to have the portrait pressed released in the newspaper and online. Colleen stated she then placed the portrait as well as the copies in her vehicle, a GMC Envoy on 01/22/25. Colleen stated the next time she saw the portrait was on 01/24/25. On 01/25/25 in the early morning Colleen stated she went to get into her car where she did not locate the portrait and it was missing, but the copies were still in the vehicle. I observed no signs of forced entry on the listed vehicle. Colleen advised she almost always locks her vehicle, but it was possible she left the doors unlocked. Colleen stated she left her keys in her coat pockets inside the house. When asked if anyone knew where the keys were, she advised her niece, Eyvonne Fields.
Eyvonne currently lives with Colleen at the listed address. Eyvonne stated she never saw the original portrait, only the copies of the portrait and advised she does not know who would have taken them.
Colleen stated she has checked everywhere in her vehicle and house just in case she misplaced it and stated she does not have it anywhere. Colleen advised she called the Daily Advocate, and Loudy’s to see if she accidentally left it there where she stated they told her she left with the portrait when she left.
I located no cameras in the immediate area that would have captured this incident. Colleen advised she does not know anyone who would have taken the portrait. Colleen filled out a written statement as well as a victim rights form.
January 28th, 2025 – At approximately 1435 hours, I was dispatched to 894 East Russ Road Apartment #1 Greenville, Ohio 45331 in reference to a report of a theft not in progress.
Upon my arrival I spoke with Jimmy Meade (the victim), Jimmy stated on January 11th, 2025 he noticed two separate transactions charged to his bank account. Jimmy banks at Greenville Federal Bank. The two transactions showed out of California and were charges of $150.00 each for a total of $300.00. Jimmy contacted the bank and advised he was not making those purchases and closed his account immediately. Jimmy has since opened a new account and transferred his money over accordingly.
Jimmy advised VISA is not allowing the bank to reimburse Jimmy due to the total amount being an even number. VISA is under the impression the items that were purchased with Jimmy’s money could be gift cards, which could be purchased by anyone online. VISA advised they would look into the incident more if Jimmy could get a police report.
I spoke with employees at Greenville Federal who advised me of the same information Jimmy did. The bank also advised they may be able to reimburse Jimmy after a police report has been filed. I was able to acquire copies of Jimmy’s bank statement and transaction history from Greenville Federal as well.
I spoke with Jimmy’s power of attorney, Bobby Bercaw. Bobby advised Jimmy does a lot of online shopping from Amazon and Walmart. Bobby also stated she was not aware of any purchases made, prior to Jimmy informing her about the incident shortly after it occurred.
Jimmy filled out a statement and victim’s rights form which will be attached to this report.
At this time I have no leads as to the exact location the money was spent due to the purchases via online shopping. Jimmy has been looking into ways to better secure his money in the meantime.
