Northfield Woman Gets Probation, Must Pay Back Money From Forging Boyfriend's Mom's Checks

Chelsea Ellen Paul on Tuesday was sentenced to three years probation for bilking money from her boyfriend’s mom’s checking account for two months, which came to end March 25 when the mother contacted police.

Rice County Judge Thomas M. Neuville also ordered Paul to pay back half of the $4,832.75 that was stolen from the woman. She must also pay a $500 fine—an additional $2,500 fine was stayed if her probation expires.

Last month, Zach Anthony Brady, 21, the son of the victim and boyfriend of Paul, was also convicted of felony check forgery. Another charge was dropped. He received five years probation, must pay the other half of the $4,832.75 in restitution and pay a $500 fine. He must also go to counseling, complete 40 hours of sentence to service work and is on electronic home monitoring.

Paul, 19 of Northfield, faced two felony charges and pleaded guilty to one in August, dismissing the other. Each charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

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 Paul or Brady, 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 accused of signing 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 the mother knew of some of the checks, but probably didn’t expect the amount to be so much.

In March, Paul was convicted of petty misdemeanor theft for another incident. She was fined $50 and paid $37.99 restitution, according to Minnesota Courts records.