Identity thief to face charges

Weirton Police reported Timothy Prickard - a Hermitage, Pa., resident wanted on counts of check fraud - was arrested Wednesday evening in Westmoreland County, Pa.

Weirton Detective Gerard Spencer reported that the Weirton Police Department began searching for Prickard, 24, after information was provided concerning a check scam in which he allegedly was participating.

Spencer said Prickard was caught on surveillance cameras at Shop'n Save on Penco Road as he cashed a forged work check for $2,000 from Able Builders. According to Spencer, the Pennsylvania man also cashed forged checks from ABC Supply Co.

"He came here from Pennsylvania after stealing several checks from a Donald Ott," he said. "Ott is 18 and was wanted in about 10 jurisdictions after Prickard stole his identity."

Spencer said Prickard's arrest has cleared Ott's name from fraudulent check charges.

The detective reported that Prickard currently is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail for fraudulent schemes, forgery and uttering. He is set to be extradited to Weirton soon, Spencer stated.

(Rossi can be contacted at grossi@weirtondailytimes.com)