A former inmate due $15 for money not used at the Spokane County Jail earned himself another stay behind bars by forging the check for more than 200 times the amount, sheriff's officials say.

John P. Oak, 44, was arrested Jan. 12 for forgery and second-degree theft after he tried to withdraw money from Banner Bank in Rockford, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

Jail staff on Jan. 11 noticed Oak had cashed a check from the jail for $3,042.21, though jail records showed the check was originally written for $15.

Oak received $1,000 in cash and deposited the rest in his account, according to the Sheriff's Office. Bank employees notified police Jan. 12 that Oak had tried to withdraw more funds but was denied. Deputy Jeremy Jeske stopped a vehicle as it traveled north on Highway 21 from the bank and arrested Oak, who was a passenger.

Two other passengers, John M. Hamilton, 49, and Amanda M. Powers, 28, were arrested and booked on outstanding warrants.  The driver of the vehicle was released shortly after the traffic stop and is not facing charges, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Oak has been released from jail and is to be arraigned on Jan. 24, according to online court records.

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