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Albert Lea, Minn. (AP)

Albert Lea woman allegedly forges checks found in debris

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An Albert Lea woman is accused of writing checks from a checkbook she allegedly found after a home was destroyed in last month's tornadoes.

The Albert Lea Tribune says Michelle Marie VanRiper was charged this week with one count of felony check forgery. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.

A message left with her defense attorney Friday was not immediately returned.

Authorities say the 31-year-old tried to pass a forged check last weekend in the name of Garland Graves, who died in March. Police say VanRiper found his checks in tornado debris after his daughter's home was leveled June 17.

Police detective Ben Mortensen advises anyone who lost financial information in the storms to make sure their accounts are shut down.

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Information from: Albert Lea Tribune, http://www.albertleatribune.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)