Couple Suspected In Forgery Cases

Wed., Aug. 30, 2000

A small forgery ring appeared to be unraveling this week, authorities said.

Gerald and Patricia Fry were arrested Saturday in Coeur d’Alene for allegedly breaking into a car, said Sgt. Wendy Carpenter of the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Spokane authorities said they have evidence linking the couple to at least six forgery cases in the Spokane area.

There are also at least three stolen vehicles in the Spokane area linked to the couple, said Mark Stewart, a property crimes detective in the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Stewart would not say whether the Sheriff’s Office has other suspects in the case, but said the investigation is ongoing.

Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant at the Fry residence at 2104 S. Garden Springs Road in Spokane on Thursday and a warrant on Fry’s vehicle in Coeur d’Alene.

After Saturday’s arrest, Gerald Fry was charged with burglary, attempted grand theft and possession of stolen property, all felonies. He was also charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Patricia Fry was charged with felony possession of stolen property.

Carpenter said she could not comment on Saturday’s arrest because an investigation is ongoing.

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