RUMFORD — Police made four arrests in connection with a rash of fraudulent checks cashed at businesses in Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties, according to Rumford Police Chief Stacy Carter.

In a news release, Carter said a Waldo Street business reported March 13 that two women cashed payroll checks that were determined to be fraudulent.

Jodi Anson, 32, Rumford, was charged with misdemeanor forgery and theft and is scheduled to appear May 9 in Rumford District Court. Charges are pending for another woman.

Elizabeth Bowen, 23, of Mexico was arrested Monday and charged with forgery and misuse of identification after an attempt to cash a fraudulent check. She is also scheduled to appear 8:30 a.m. May 9 in Rumford District Court and has been released from jail on $1,500 unsecured bail.

Also Monday, officers arrested Shawn Liggetto, 30, of Rumford on warrants charging burglary, theft and violation of conditions of release. When he was arrested, multiple uncashed fraudulent checks were found, and he was charged charged with felony forgery, misuse of identification, violation conditions of release and sale/use of drug paraphernalia.

He was transported to the Oxford County Jail in Paris, where he remains pending bail.

Branden Belanger, 45, of Mexico was arrested Tuesday on a felony forgery charge, possession of forgery devices and violation of conditions of release. Belanger was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where he is being held pending bail.

Carter said the Rumford Police Department has been working with detectives from Franklin and Androscoggin counties. The investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected in all three counties.

Businesses that have cashed fraudulent checks are encouraged to contact their local police departments.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net