Two fugitive brothers from Hannibal have been arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska by the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force. Sheriff Terry Wagner describes the two as allegedly conducting a pretty sophisticated and multi-state operation involving check fraud, a fictitious business, and laundering.
He says the checks were from the account of “RW Cash Electrical.” The checks even had correct bank routing numbers, but inactive account numbers from seven different banks in Nebraska.
Wagner says they also discovered fake ID’s and fraudulent payroll checks in their Lincoln motel room. The brothers, 44-year-old Clifford Cook and 43-year-old Thomas Cook, are in jail on multiple charges from Kentucky, Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri.
Wagner says the men would attempt to cash the fake checks at grocery and convenience stores in small towns. He says any business that may have cashed a fake payroll check should contact law enforcement.
The two were picked up at the Victorian Inn on West O street. The task force, made up of Sheriff’s Deputies, Deputy US Marshall, LPD Officers and the Nebraska State Patrol, along with a K-9 unit, arrested the men at 10:15 A.M. Wednesday.
A third brother has reportedly been arrested in Hannibal. It’s not known if the charges are related.
