OFFICIAL RELEASE OF THE PAWNEE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
June 1, 2022
Larned, Kansas – Adam Collinge, 42 of Topeka, appeared in custody Wednesday morning for formal Arraignment in the Pawnee County District Court.
Collinge is charged with Forgery and Theft by Deception of at least $1,500, but less than $25,000. The charges stem from an allegation that on or about January 20, 2022, the defendant passed a forged payroll check at a bank in Larned, Kansas.
At his scheduled preliminary hearing on April 26, Collinge asked the Court to remove appointed attorney, waived his right to counsel, and demanded the Court proceed with an immediate Preliminary Hearing. The Magistrate granted the requests.
The State offered testimony that the defendant presented payroll checks for a Lawrence-based business to four separate bank branches in Central Kansas. It was later determined Collinge had never been employed by the business.
Collinge testified on his own behalf at the hearing and advised the Court that he had been picked up by two unknown men in Topeka and offered construction work in Western Kansas. When they arrived in Central Kansas, he was told all they needed him to do was cash checks. He testified he was paid $200 for each check cashed. He further testified he was told the excess money was going to be used to pay undocumented workers who had actually performed the discussed construction work.
New counsel was subsequently appointed for the defendant.
At Arraignment District Judge Bruce Gatterman advised the defendant of the current charges, the possible penalties and his constitutional rights. On the advice of counsel, the defendant stood mute when asked how he wished to plead. Accordingly, the Court entered a Not Guilty plea on defendant’s behalf. A Pretrial has been scheduled for July 21, 2022.
Following the Arraignment, the Court granted the defendant’s request for a supervised bond release. He remains subject to a hold from Rush County. Collinge faces similar charges in Rush and Barton County.
Douglas W. McNett
Pawnee County Attorney