[BIRDS]

Sometimes life in prison just isn't enough...

[LongElegantLegs]

Certainly not the sharpest knife in the basket...

[mtbopfuyn]

That's one weird story. I like that reporter's style. Good article.

[Drew68]

a clerk got suspicious. The clerk called the phone number on the check to make sure it was legitimate.

That's a big "job well done" to the clerk for acting on these suspicions. Makes me wonder how often these check-cashing stores (most of which are located in the pretty shady parts of town) have to deal with suspicious characters. I'm sure they all have some stories to tell.

[Brainhose]

"The woman told him she had a checkbook."

If he put a piece of duct tape over her mouth how did she tell him she had a checkbook? Just curious.
Seriously though, he should pay a visit to Old Sparky.
And the residents of this gated community should demand all of their fees be refunded.

[LibKill]

As part of my education I had to intern in the local DA's office for 6 months. No pay, but a world of experience.

About 4 months into it a really bright young assistant DA asked me, "So, what do you think of these guys?" (Meaning the crooks.)

"I think they are stupid. I see case after case of criminals committing crimes in a manner almost guaranteed to result in arrest and conviction. And, to top it off, as soon as the cuffs are on their wrists, most of them confess!"

He replied, "Yep, they're dumb alright. It's the only thing that keeps us ahead of them. There are a heck of a lot more of them than us, but they are dumber than mud."