By Mike Stoll

Ryan Joseph Voelker, 31, of Albert Lea was charged with felony check forgery-offer or possess with intent to defraud on Thursday in Mower County District Court.

According to the court report, Voelker had been arrested by Albert Lea police in possession of a checkbook from a box of checks that a Freeborn County man had reported stolen.

Albert Lea police discovered several forged checks  in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Checks written in Austin were all dated Feb. 1, 2017. They were written at nine convenience and large retail stores and ranged from $6.98 to $548.31 for a total of $1,052.20. Three attempts were not successful.

Voelker was captured on surveillance cameras at several locations.

Voelker’s criminal history includes convictions for felony first-degree aggravated robbery, felony first-degree burglary, felony offering forged checks and gross misdemeanor financial transaction card fraud.

Voelker’s initial appearance is scheduled for Oct. 19.