Two men charged with theft, forgery

SOUTH COATESVILLE » Two men were arrested Tuesday for theft and forgery after they allegedly cashed checks stolen from a borough resident.

South Coatesville Police Chief Kevin Pierce announced on Friday that Jarvis Ricks, 60, of South Coatesville and Matthew Updyke, 36, of Coatesville, both of whom are military veterans, were arrested Tuesday following an investigation into an alleged theft.

The incident that led to the arrest occurred in November and December of 2017 when Ricks and the victim, who is also a veteran, were residing together in South Coatesville Borough. Police said Ricks allegedly stole checks

from the victim. Investigators said Ricks and Updyke then allegedly forged and cashed the checks totaling more than $700.

Pierce served as the arresting officer, and Ricks and Updyke were placed under arrest at the Coatesville VA Medical Hospital in Caln Township with the assistance of the Coatesville VA Medical Police.

Both Ricks and Updyke were arraigned on Tuesday before District Justice Gregory Hines. Updyke was released on $10,000 unsecured bail, according to police and his online criminal report. Unable to post his bail set at $10,000 secured, with 10 percent, Ricks was committed to Chester County Prison, according to police. He was also committed for a State Parole Violation.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled on Jan. 31 at District Court 151-03 in front of Hines.