Fox Lake man admits passing bad checks

A Fox Lake man was sentenced to 30 months probation Monday after he admitted passing more than $3,000 worth of bad checks.

Steven Preston, 41, pleaded guilty to forgery and theft during a hearing before Lake County Associate Judge George Bridges.

Assistant State's Attorney Marykay Foy said Preston, of 8222 Cinnamon Lane, used a home computer to create checks that appeared to be from his former employer.

He then made the checks out to himself and cashed them at the Antioch Currency Exchange, Foy said.

Preston cashed a check for $1,533 on May 31, another for $1,322 on June 6 and a third for $360 on June 6, Foy said.

He was caught when the checks were returned non-payable and officials at the currency exchange called police.

Foy said Preston, who has no prior convictions, admitted what he had done and cooperated with police in their investigation.

Bridges also sentenced Preston to six months in jail, but said he will not have to serve the time if he pays $3,215 in restitution at the rate of at least $100 per month.

Foy said Preston could have faced a maximum of five years in prison if convicted after a trial.