Man arrested on 32 counts of theft, forgery violations

FAYETTEVILLE — A Fayetteville man arrested by Washington County sheriff’s office detectives is facing more than 30 theft charges involving stolen mail, checks, and credit or debit cards from at least 19 victims.

Edward Carney, 32, of 900 Leverett Ave. was arrested Monday in connection with 32 counts of theft by receiving, six counts of forgery and violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law.

Carney was being held Tuesday at the Washington County jail in lieu of $8,056 bond.

According to a preliminary police report, a man reported in early December his bank in Springdale had flagged a suspect check written on his account. The man told police the check was originally written to his insurance company and placed in his mailbox. The name on the check had been scratched out or “washed” and Carney’s name forged on it, police said.

Video from the bank showed Carney trying to cash the check, according to the report.

During the subsequent investigation, police located a backpack belonging to Carney that contained 21 items of mail with various names and addresses that did not belong to Carney, according to the report. There were also 11 checks or debit cards; three washed and forged checks, two of which Carney had signed; and one vehicle registration that did not belong to Carney.

“So far during this investigation 19 separate victims have been identified of mail theft, credit or debit card theft, forgery or theft of checks,” according to the report. “All victims are being reached out to for statements regarding their items to return them to their proper owners.”