Arrest made in attempted ID theft

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Police say a Newport News woman was arrested for attempted identity theft after trying to cash the same check unsuccessfully at two Money Mart locations.

According to Harold Eley with the Newport News Police Department, 21-year-old Lashaunda T. Finney first attempted to cash a check for more than $1,500 at a Money Mart on Jefferson Avenue April 4. Police say the clerk felt something was wrong even though Finney was able to provide correct information. Eley says Finney left after getting frustrated with security questions the clerk was asking.

Store personnel looked up the woman to whom the check belonged to and saw her photo did not match with the woman attempting to cash it. Eley says an investigation into her identification began.

Four days later, Finney attempted to cash the same check at a Money Mart on Old Courthouse Way. Police were called but Finney fled before their arrival. Finney left the check behind.

Eley says the victim was identified as an out of state woman who had not visited Virginia recently.

Finney was arrested for the two incidents.