What to do if I have a roommate that stole checks of mine and forged my signature?

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What to do if I have a roommate that stole checks of mine and forged my signature?

I agreed that I will not press charges as long as she keeps living in my household until she pays off what was stolen and for services such as rent good etc. As I have paid all her expenses since she moved in a month ago. Can this be considered blackmail or extortion?

Asked on November 20, 2014 under Criminal Law, Ohio

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Note that you *can't* agree to not press charges in exchange for payment: that is against the law. (E.g. you're not allowed to use the criminal system to collect a debt.) You could get in trouble for this. Either press charges or not, without regard to the payment.

And if she agrees to repay, get that agreement in writing, with dates by which she must make payments; if she violates the agreement, then you can sue her for the money.

And change your bank account--she obviously knows your bank account number, and could possibly use that to take money out in the future.


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