Vina man charged with writing bad checks

A Vina man was taken into custody early Monday after authorities received calls from local businesses reporting bad checks.

Investigators with the Red Bay Police Department said Charles Stevie Hester, 34, 612 Old Vina Road, Vina, is charged with second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

The Red Bay Police Department received numerous calls from local businesses reporting that they had received several bad checks in the Red Bay area, officials said.

Authorities said the initial tip reporting an incident involving stolen Discovery card checks put officers on the trail leading straight to Hester.

Investigators said the arrest was made about 10 a.m. Monday when Hester began to leave the parking lot at Big Star in Red Bay.

Investigators said officers found Hester with the bad checks on him.

Hester is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail.