Cedar Rapids man charged after forged check incidents in Iowa City

Hunter
03/14/22

A Cedar Rapids man was taken into custody after allegedly forging three stolen checks at an Iowa City box store in October.

Police say that 34-year-old Bradley Varner wrote the checks at the Menards on Naples Avenue October 24, 26 and 28. Varner is allegedly seen on surveillance conducting the transactions, and he was reportedly wearing the same jacket during the last two incidents.

A phone number Varner provided on the last two checks  belonged to a former acquaintance who was able to positively identify him.  Varner is also accused of using a fictitious ID or driver’s license to conduct the transactions.

The account holder of the checks reportedly forged October 24 and 26 reported the checks as stolen; the total amount of money allegedly taken by Varner was nearly $1250.

A warrant for Varner’s arrest was issued on January 27th; he was taken into custody Sunday afternoon.  He faces charges of 3rd degree theft and two counts of forgery. If convicted on all counts, Varner faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years in prison.