Northfield Man Makes Court Appearance For Allegedly Bilking Mother

A Northfield man faces two felony charges for allegedly forging his mother’s checks for nearly $5,000.

Zach Anthony Brady, 21, made an appearance in Rice County District Court on Wednesday for the charges.

His girlfriend, Chelsea Ellen Paul, 19, and was in court last week.

Police say Brady and Paul bilked the money from his mom’s checking account for two months, which came to end March 25 when the mother contacted police.

Brady faces 15 years in prison and/or $30,000 in fines if he is found guilty.

In all, 22 checks were forged for more than $4,800, according to the criminal complaint filed with the court. Fifteen checks were made out to either Brady or Paul, totaling $4,550. The largest check, according to the complaint, was made out to Paul for $550.

Six other checks were used at gas stations; one check was used at a mechanic shop.

Police did a forensic comparison of the signature on the checks that Paul is alleged to have signed and the signature of the account holder. They did not match, the complaint says.

Paul told police that in the past the mother had given her and Brady checks to use. According to the complaint, Brady said his mother knew of some of the checks, but probably didn’t expect the amount to be so much.

Brady has new previous criminal record. His next court appearance is May 31.