Man busted for forgery minutes after buying car

A man was arrested Sunday afternoon around the corner from where he had just bought a 1997 Cadillac with a fraudulent check, South Elgin police say.

Andrew D. Toney, 29, of 2628 Carmel Blvd., Zion, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, four counts of forgery, unlawful possession of a title, obstruction of justice and theft by deception, police said.

Police said when they stopped the Cadillac at Renee Drive and Spring Street for not having license plates, the driver said his name was Mark Morales.

A passenger in the car later told police his real name was Andrew Toney.

The former owner of the car saw what happened, pulled up to where police had stopped Toney and showed police the $6,000 check, which police determined was fake.

Another check for $15,000 in Toney's pocket also was determined to be fake, police said.

Police said Toney admitted making the check on a duplicating machine and that he was going to use it to purchase another vehicle.

In addition to the eight charges, South Elgin police said Toney was wanted on outstanding warrants from Franklin Park and the Lake County Sheriff's Office with a total bond of $4,200 and was an acknowledged member of a street gang.

Toney's bond was set at $8,000 on the South Elgin charges and he was taken to the Kane County jail Monday morning.

His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Kane County Judicial Center.