Second pleads not guilty in check cashing scheme

Published 2:41 pm Friday, October 5, 2012

Another woman allegedly involved in an August check cashing scheme has pleaded not guilty.

Kandyce Kristen Keeler, 28, of Rochester, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County Court to two counts of felony check forgery. She has demanded a speedy trial, and another court date has not been set.

The other reportedly involved, Beth Marie Hansen, 26, of Rochester — who was convicted of a July 2011 Walmart theft in which she stole more than $2,000 of merchandise, fled officers at high speeds, assaulted an officer and possessed drugs — was recently sentenced to two years in prison after a probation violation. She pleaded not guilty in this forgery case, as well.

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Hansen was arrested on Aug. 2. According to the court complaint, she and Keeler allegedly passed fake checks at Bobee Jo’s bar in Austin in June and later were caught.

A detective discovered Hansen, who was identified on surveillance, was being investigated in Rochester along with Keeler for forgery. According to the complaint, police believe Keeler was making the checks and Hansen was helping pass them. They also believe Keeler tried to cash two of the three checks at Bobee Jo’s. An employee caught wind of the alleged scam during the third check passing. The women were allegedly using the name “Felicia Pigeon” as the account holder.