Hudson Valley Woman Accused of Stealing, Forging Checks

New York State Police have charged a local woman with stealing and forging checks.

On Friday December 18, 2015, a Highland resident called the police to report that a number of checks was stolen from his residence by an acquaintance. After an investigation, New York State Police in Highland have arrested Desiree I. Barnwell, 37, of Highland.

Police allege, over the course of many days, Barnwall stole several checks and forged the name of the victim and then cashed the forged checks to withdraw funds from the victims bank account. Police say when they arrested Barnwall she was still in possession of the victim's check book which was later recovered from her residence.

Barnwell was charged with six counts of forgery in the second degree, a felony, two counts of petit larceny, and one count of criminal possession of stolen property, both misdemeanors.

Barnwell was arraigned Town of Lloyd Court and remanded to Ulster County Jail on $5,000 cash / $5,000 bond. Barnwell is due to appear in court on December 22nd.