A Mattoon man was recently arrested for allegedly cashing checks that were stolen from an elderly female.
According to a press release from the Mattoon Police Department, 23 year old, Stephen T Bennett, of Mattoon was taken into custody at the Mattoon Police Department at 11:10am on Thursday for Felony Theft Over $10,000. The release stated, “the charge alleges Mr. Bennett stole several checks from an elderly female, and forged and cashed those checks throughout the months of February and March, 2018.”
Bennett appeared in Coles County Court on Friday via a Closed Circuit TV with Assistant State’s Attorney Guido and Public Defender Ortega. Bennett was advised of his charge. He then requested a Public Defender going forward and Ortega was appointed. Bennett is set to appear in Coles County Court again on March 26th for a Preliminary Hearing.
All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.