A woman who cashed bogus checks bearing the name of a national chicken restaurant chain has been charged by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

At least three of the checks were cashed in Bradley County. Investigation by the BCSO Criminal Investigations Division revealed checks were also cashed in South Pittsburg Tennessee, Marion County Tennessee, East Ridge Tennessee, Catoosa County Georgia, and Dalton Georgia, where charges may be filed.

Amanda Lee Harvey, 20, was arrested at her residence on Cummings Highway in Chattanooga. She was returned to Bradley County where the Grand Jury indicted her for Criminal Simulation, Forgery, and Theft Under $500.

Charges against a co-defendant are pending.

Each of the checks had the name of the Bojangles Restaurant chain and was for the amount of $283.57. Investigators believe they were cashed at 18 different locations in the tri-state area.

STATEMENT FROM BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF TIM GOBBLE REGARDING THE 2008-2009 BUDGET PROCESS

"As the 2008-2009 budget process moves into its final stage, I want to publicly thank the Mayor and County Commission for their cooperation in meeting several critical public safety needs facing Bradley County.

"With the final passing of this budget, we will have made significant progress improving our starting pay levels to help with our recruiting and retention efforts. We will continue to improve our vehicle fleet to better ensure a safe and reliable response and we will have further addressed other law enforcement equipment and gasoline needs.

"Keeping pace with county growth and increasing calls for service is a continual process. Having this cooperative effort between the BCSO, County Mayor and Commission is a benefit to all Bradley County residents.

"I want to personally extend my gratitude to all and say how much I look forward to continuing this working relationship well into the future."

Over the past several months, it has become increasingly clear that our country is facing serious issues with high fuel costs. Locally, it has not only affected every citizen who owns a car, but it has affected every county and city department as well. Everyone in Bradley County is feeling the pinch of ever-rising gasoline costs.

It has been especially challenging here at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office because we have not had an increase to our fuel allowance in three years. In fact, in last year’s budget, the BCSO fuel allowance was actually reduced by almost $3,000.

But Bradley County has faced challenges in the past and I am confident we will get through this current high-priced fuel situation. It just takes everyone pulling together to find workable, non-partisan solutions without compromising public safety. With that in mind, I would like to present some of the initiatives we have implemented here at the BCSO, along with some fuel-saving measures that are already in place.

The BCSO will utilize low-octane (87) gas in all vehicles not requiring diesel fuel or higher octane as recommended by the manufacturer.

Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies have concluded an investigation of a burglary at Equipment Wholesale on Waterlevel Highway with the arrest of three suspects.

On Wednesday, Deputy Shaun McKee found a truck belonging to the business abandoned at the intersection of Hollow Road and Old Parksville Road. The keys were inside the truck so Deputy Jay Lawson went to the business to see why the vehicle was left in the roadway unsecured.

Andy Brent Reagan

Arriving at the location he was told by an employee that a security chain at the business had been cut and the truck was driven off the lot. It was used to carry off a large number of tools and eight hand held torches worth in excess of $6,000. After those items were taken to another location, the truck ran out of fuel and was abandoned.

Kenneth Jerome Verner