Longview Police: Budding Counterfeit Check Ring Busted

LONGVIEW — Authorities say federal and local agencies worked together in August to bust a budding check counterfeiting ring that had allegedly printed and cashed thousands of dollars in fake payroll checks. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “This is one that we got to quick enough to basically cut the head off,” said Kristie Brian, spokeswoman for the Longview Police Department. Four people were arrested in August in connection with a ring of forgers police said were led by Brian Harkless and his girlfriend, Shun Lnu. Harkless was charged Aug. 29 with engaging in organized criminal activity. Brian said a warrant has been issued for Lnu’s arrest.

Police said the ring operated from an apartment in the 500 block of Garden Lane in Henderson, but Brian said they tried to pass the checks in Longview stores. One of the stores hit by the forgers was Skinner’s Grocery and Market. Employees at Skinner’s cashed at least two forged checks before they became aware of foul play. Brian said a Crimestoppers tip led to an arrest in the ring.