UAPD detectives arrest alleged check thief

John Green, 32, of a general delivery address, was taken into UAPD custody at 12:30 p.m. He is being charged on suspicion of third-degree burglary, one count of forgery, one count of fraudulent schemes and one count of drug paraphernalia possession.

"Mr. Green called the bank (Bank One, 947 N. Park Ave.) asking if he could cash a check without ID," UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said yesterday. "Officers went to the bank, spoke with a bank official who pointed out Green."

Officers, who arrived at the bank minutes after Green, spoke with him in a Bank One office. Police found one check in Green's possession for $250, a check that had not been filled out and a pipe which officers believed to contain marijuana, Seastone said.

Police took Green back to UAPD headquarters where he admitted to stealing and cashing the checks.

Green was arraigned yesterday and booked into Pima County Jail, Seastone said. His bail was posted at $1,100.

Green was charged with burglary because he admitted to entering UA staff members' offices, rummaging through their belongings and taking the checks. He also admitted to taking a cellular phone and $80 cash from one victim.

"I kinda feel sorry for him," said Geosciences research scientist Tim Jull, who lost $770 when Green allegedly took his checkbook on Feb. 5. "He's probably someone who doesn't have a lot of money."

Three UA staff members and one student had reported their checks stolen. The first theft occurred in the end of December and the most recent was during the last week of February, police reports stated.

"The man must be in some way pretty slick," said Laurence Toolin, a senior research specialist for the Geosciences department who had $450 stolen in December. "I'm glad they caught him."

"I think UAPD did a good job," said Nancy Sciacca, an adjunct English as a Second Language instructor. "The detectives kept in touch with me."

Sciacca's checks were stolen Feb. 22. She lost $250 from her Bank One checking account.