Verdict In Check Passing Case

Reno Man Found Guilty On Burglary and Uttering Charges

August 19, 2016

Reno, Nevada

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announces that a Reno man has been found guilty of burglary and uttering charges after a two day jury trial that began on Monday. 

Everett Hunter, 55, from Reno was found guilty on two counts of Burglary and two counts of Uttering Forged Instruments on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.    

In December, 2014, a local construction company was burglarized and a report was made listing the theft of tires and wheels.  Approximately a month later, the company began receiving calls from several vendors advising that they had not received payment for services.  The company searched bank records and determined that vendor checks mailed the day of the burglary had been stolen.  The Reno Police Department had taken the initial burglary report and continued to investigate the stolen checks.  Detectives discovered numerous instances where fictitious payroll checks in the company’s name had been passed. Further investigation identified Hunter as having passed these checks at two area casinos.  Hunter was arrested and subsequently charged with burglary and uttering forged instruments. 

During trial, Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Travis Lucia argued that the defendant was motivated by the prospect of “easy money.”  DDA Lucia introduced security videos of the checks being cashed, as well as testimony from law enforcement about Hunter’s incriminating statements.  At the conclusion of the case, the jury took just 5 minutes to reach their verdict.  

Sentencing in the case is set for October 20, 2016 in Department 1 of Washoe County District Court. Hunter faces up to 28 years in prison.