Deputies Arrest Check Fraud Suspect

FOUR OAKS – A Smithfield man is facing charges after he reportedly forged and cashed two checks. John Joseph Brinchek III, age 54, of the 2900 block of US 70 Business East, Smithfield was charged with two counts of forgery and two counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

Four Oaks Police said Brinchek went to Ronnie’s BP on US 701 South, on February 17, and cashed a check for $993.81. He returned on February 20 and cashed another check for $735.96. Later, the bank notified Ronnie’s BP they had no record of the bank account number listed on the checks.

On March 28, Smithfield Police located Brinchek on Berkshire Road and took him into custody on the four felony warrants from Four Oaks Police. Brinchek was transported to the Johnston County Jail and held on a $60,000 bond.