Ryan Ervin Whelan, 37, of Blooming Prairie was charged with felony check forgery-offer/possess with intent to defraud on Thursday in Mower County District Court.

According to the court complaint, police were called on June 28 to Hy-Vee regarding a male suspect attempting to cash a suspicious check. The store manager reported the suspect, later identified as Whelan, was attempting to cash a check that was similar to one previously cashed at the store. The check was purportedly from an Albert Lea McDonald’s, but when the manager contacted the McDonald’s location, she learned Whelan was not an employee there.

An officer made contact with Whelan, who said he received the check “in the mail.” He said he knew it was a “bad check,” but tried to cash it anyway. The check was in the sum of $448.98 and had been signed by Whelan.

A review of Whelan’s criminal record shows prior convictions for issuing dishonored checks.

Whelan will appear in court again on Aug. 29.