News Summary
Wendy Griffith, a 39-year-old woman from Lexington, has been charged with cashing 145 forged checks totaling over $56,000 from her former employer, Webster’s Engine Alley. The forgeries came to light after the business owner reported the incident to police. Griffith, who worked at the business for 18 years, did not have authorization to issue checks and is now facing multiple charges including theft. This case raises concerns about employee trust and financial oversight in small businesses.
Lexington – A 39-year-old woman, Wendy Griffith, has been charged with cashing a series of forged checks from her former employer, Webster’s Engine Alley, following an investigation that uncovered a substantial financial loss attributed to her actions. The case came to light when the owner of Webster’s Engine Alley reported the forgery to local police in November.
The investigation revealed that Griffith, during her employment at the business, forged a total of 145 checks valued at $56,678.30 between January 3, 2023, and September 16, 2024. The amounts on the forged checks ranged from $100 to $600 and were cashed either in-person at a local Mini Food Mart or deposited into her PayPal account. As a result of the forgery, Webster’s Engine Alley experienced a financial loss of $52,421.18 after factoring in Griffith’s withheld payroll and accumulated paid-time-off.
Griffith had a long tenure with Webster’s Engine Alley, having been employed there at various times over the past 18 years. Although she was involved in the business’s administrative functions, court documents indicate that she did not possess the authority to issue checks. Her employment came to an end on September 18, 2024, at which point she admitted to the theft.
As a result of her actions, Griffith has been charged with 145 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, as well as one count of theft by deception for amounts totalling $10,000 or more. She is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Fayette District Court on Thursday.
The nature of the forgery is particularly concerning, as it not only affected the financial stability of Webster’s Engine Alley, but it also brings to light issues surrounding employee trust and accountability in small businesses. The long-standing relationship between Griffith and her employer raises questions about oversight within the company and how such a significant breach of trust could occur without earlier detection.
This incident underscores the importance of robust internal controls and the need for businesses to frequently review their financial practices to prevent similar occurrences. As cases of forgery and theft can arise in various settings, it emphasizes the necessity for vigilance in managing employee conduct and financial transactions.
As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely to see how the case will develop, reflecting broader issues of workplace integrity and accountability. In its aftermath, Webster’s Engine Alley may look to implement stricter financial protocols to safeguard against future theft and ensure a secure working environment for its employees.
Wendy Griffith’s arraignment in Fayette District Court will mark the next significant step in the legal proceedings related to this notable case of workplace theft.
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Additional Resources
- Lexington County Sheriff: North Carolina Woman Arrested
- Wikipedia: Financial Fraud
- WIS TV: NC Woman Bought Car Using Fake Cashiers Check
- Google Search: Forgery in the Workplace
- ABC Columbia: NC Woman Accused of Using Fake Identity
- Google Scholar: Employee Theft
- WACH: NC Woman Arrested on Fraud Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Crime
- Kentucky.com: Local Crime Reports
- Google News: Business Forgery Cases
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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