Two people were arrested last week and charged with theft after they allegedly stole and then cashed checks on a closed account.

Ironton Police Sgt. Joe Ross has identified the pair as Tammy L. Reed, 22,

of 320 1/2 Spruce St., Ironton, and James Dale Cade, 24, 1820 S. Eighth St., Ironton. The victim was Auto Insurance Network, owned by William Caudill of Vanceburg, Ky. The business was located on Park Avenue and went out of business two years ago.

"They went to a house in Ceredo-Kenova (W.Va.) to clean out a garage," Ross said. "While cleaning they discovered checks belonging to Auto Insurance Network. They brought the checks here and cashed them."

Ross said police are still investigating how the checks got into the Ceredo-Kenova man's garage in the first place.

Reed allegedly cashed two checks for approximately $350 each at Bartram's Grocery and at Pick-N-Save. Cade allegedly cashed one check at Desco Federal Credit Union for $1,200 and allegedly attempted to cash a $4,000 check at Desco, but was unsuccessful.

"We were alerted by Mr. Caudill that Ohio River Bank had contacted him about checks being drawn on his closed account," Ross said. "Then, he called us."

Both were scheduled to appear in Ironton Municipal Court today to answer the charges. Reed is charged with two counts of fifth-degree felony theft and Cade with one, since he was only successful at cashing one of the two checks he allegedly attempted to cash. A felony five theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Ross said Reed may have also cashed checks at stores in Kentucky, and if she did may face charges there as well.