A local man was charged after allegedly cashing a fraudulent check.

Pernell Wilkins, 26, was charged June 11 with third-degree theft.

According to an Iowa City Police complaint, Wilkins entered Midwest One Bank, 102 S. Clinton St., and opened an account. He then deposited a check for $995 and withdrew it in cash.

When Midwest One realized the check was fraudulent, they notified Wilkins by certified mail, and he failed to respond. 

Upon confrontation, Wilkins told police the check was sent to his child’s mother by mail, then signed over to him. He then admitted to opening the account and withdrawing the money. 

He also acknowledged that the bank tried to contact him and he did not respond. He said the mother did nothing to earn the money.

The mother said she received the money in the mail and did nothing in exchange. She admitted to signing the check over to Wilkins.

Third-degree theft is an aggravated misdemeanor. 

— by Megan Sanchez