After 10 Years, Alleged Check Forger Arraigned

A New Jersey woman wanted for nearly 10 years in a Bethlehem forgery case turned herself in to authorities on Thursday.

Vanessa Williams, 39, allegedly forged two checks – each one worth $500 – belonging to a handicapped woman she was providing care to in an apartment in the 1600 block of Schoenersville Road in June 2002, according to court records.

Williams allegedly used a stamp to “sign” the checks in her clients name before cashing the checks, the arrest affidavit said.

The charges were filed in August 2002 and the court papers provided no home address for Williams. It was otherwise unclear why Williams had not been arraigned on the charges until now.

Williams is charged with forgery and receiving stolen property. She was released on $15,000 unsecured bail following her arraignment before