KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

An Ellis woman was arrested on suspicion of up to 51 counts of theft by deception for allegedly passing bad checks at various businesses in Hays and across the region between the months of December and February.

Amanda R. Berends, 34, was arrested Feb. 20 by Ellis Police Chief Taft Yates for 21 counts of theft by deception, accused of passing bad checks in Ellis County totaling more than $2,200.

According to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, the investigation began when officers from the Hays Police Department responded to a call last week from a Hays bank stating numerous checks had been written on a closed account belonging to Berends.

Upon further investigation, Scheibler said officers received information Berends had also allegedly passed bad checks in Ellis, Gorham, Dodge City, Minneola, Pratt, Plainville and Quinter.

The total amount of all 51 checks is unknown.

Scheibler said the case has been forwarded to the Ellis County Attorney’s Office.