2012 a success for Yolo DA’s check prosecution unit

The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office Check Prosecution Unit collected $368,620 for Yolo County merchants and residents in 2012, making it a successful year, District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced last week.

“The goal is to encourage payment prior to filing criminal charges. The vast majority of the money was paid to the victims by check writers before criminal proceedings were initiated. Once criminal complaints are filed and arrest warrants are issued, the court supervises the payments of restitution,” Reisig said in a news release.

It is not uncommon for check writers to “bounce” checks to businesses or individuals. These checks are generally written on checking accounts with non-sufficient funds (NSF) or on closed accounts. If businesses or individuals in Yolo County are unable to get cooperation from the check writers, they are encouraged to contact the DA Check Program.

While stolen and forged checks must be reported to local law enforcement agencies, NSF and closed-account checks can be submitted to the District Attorney Check Program for investigation.

For more information about the DA Check Program, call 530-666-8200 or contact the program at 301 Second St., Woodland, CA 95695. Any merchant or resident needing check forms can pick them up at their local Chamber of Commerce office at 604 Third St. in Davis, 301 First St. in Woodland, 11 Main St. in Winters and 1414 Merkley Ave. in West Sacramento. Or, forms may be downloaded from the district attorney’s website at www.yoloda.org/forms/htm.

Community members are reminded that when they close an account or change banks, they shouldn’t just throw away old checks. “Destroy old checks so they are not used fraudulently,” Reisig said.