MAIDEN MAN CHARGED WITH FORGERY

By Jon Mayhew

Photo Contributed/TCS
Jai Stevenson Rinehardt is faces several charges after trying to cash a forged check.

MAIDEN -- Freedom for Jai Stevenson Rinehardt was short-lived from the Catawba County Detention Center in Newton.

While being released on other charges, Lincolnton Police detectives arrested Rinehardt on felony charges of obtaining property by false pretenses; forgery; and uttering.

The initial incident was reported on December 7, after employees of Peoples Bank notified authorities that Rinehardt passed a $500 check that was stolen and forged.

Rinehardt's big mistake was making the check out to himself and signing the same check.

Around noon, detectives served the warrants on Rinehardt and took him from the Catawba County Detention Center to the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond.

Bond for Rinehardt wasn't reduced after a court appearance earlier this week in Lincolnton District Court. His next court date is set for January 15, 2009.