A well-known Alexandria businessman was indicted last week by the DeKalb County Grand Jury for allegedly altering checks made to his business and depositing them with much higher amounts.

According to the indictment, 50-year-old Stein Edward Prichard of Brush Creek Road, Brush Creek, manager of Prichard’s Foods, is charged with four counts of forgery against two different victims.

50-year-old Stein Edward Prichard of Brush Creek Road, Brush Creek, manager of Prichard’s Foods, was among 15 people indicted on various charges Monday on the first day of the new term of the grand jury. Others were named in three sealed indictments.

Sheriff Ray said that, “People would come into the store and buy goods, and would write a check, and Prichard would allegedly change the amount of the check and run it through the bank. He would then take the proceeds from the forged checks for his benefit.”

“We got a report at the sheriff’s department on December 5 about an altered check. It was found that the check was altered at Prichard’s Foods in Alexandria. We started an investigation with assistance of the District Attorney’s office. They assigned an investigator to assist us,” Sheriff Ray continued.

The individual charges detailed by Sheriff Ray are as follows:

Count 1: “On or about April 12, 2023 Prichard unlawfully and with intent to defraud (victim) of the sum of $5,199, pass a forged writing (check) to Prichard’s Foods which purported to be the act of another (victim) who did not authorize that act”

Count 2: “On or about March 30, 2023 Prichard unlawfully and with intent to defraud (same victim as count 1) of the sum of $3,247, pass a forged writing (check) to Prichard’s Foods which purported to be the act of another (victim) who did not authorize that act.”

Count 3: “On or about April 11, 2023 Prichard unlawfully and with intent to defraud (same victim as counts 1&2) of the sum of $935, pass a forged writing (check) to Prichard’s Foods which purported to be the act of another (victim) who did not authorize that act.”

Count 4: “On or about December 2, 2023 Prichard unlawfully and with intent to defraud (separate victim) of the sum of $6,205, pass a forged writing (check) to Prichard’s Foods which purported to be the act of another (victim) who did not authorize that act.”

Two people were also indicted by the Grand Jury under a sealed indictment, accused of taking scrap metal from DeKalb County. Johnny Moore Eschman and Derek Russell Fann are each charged with two counts of theft of property over $2,500, while Eschman faces an additional county of official misconduct.

Count 1: “Between the dates of September 1, 2022 and May 15, 2024, in DeKalb County, Tennessee and before the finding of this indictment did unlawfully and knowingly obtain or exercise control of property, including but not limited to scrap metals valued at over $2,500 belonging to DeKalb County.”

Count 2: Between the dates of November 29, 2023 and May 15, 2024, in DeKalb County, Tennessee and before the finding of this indictment did unlawfully and knowingly obtain or exercise control of property, including but not limited to scrap metals valued at over $2,500 belonging to DeKalb County.”

Count 3: “Between the dates of September 1, 2022 and May 15, 2024, in DeKalb County, Tennessee and before the finding of this indictment did unlawfully and knowingly, while acting as a public servant, commit an offense with benefit by theft.”

Eschman was employed by the DeKalb County Solid Waste Department, while Fann worked for a contractor with the county. The thefts allegedly occurred at the county transfer station.

Others indicted by the grand jury are as follows:

Johnny Erik Bain for three counts of aggravated assault.

Paul Green Cantrell for possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams with intent to sell or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tonya Michelle Cantrell for simple possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shadayda Storm Farris for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, identity theft and driving under the influence.

Matthew David Fayette for tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew Dewayne Griffith for vandalism over $2,500.

Destiny Renea Grimes for driving under the influence, DUI per se, and vandalism under $1,000.

John Allen Judkins, Jr. for driving under the influence.

Chad Everette Knowles for possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams with intent to sell or deliver, evading arrest-vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a revoked license (2nd offense).

Kayla Rena Sanders for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason Richard Skaroupka for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rachel Lynn Spurlock for possession of a schedule II drug (methamphetamine) over 0.5 grams with intent to sell or deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alvin Davis Warren for theft of property-shoplifting, theft of property over $2,500, and vandalism over $2,500.

Sheila Ann Zaruba for aggravated assault.