THEFT, FORGERY CHARGES Officer pleads innocent in bogus-check scheme

The officer is suspended without pay while his case is pending.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Trial is scheduled Nov. 10 for a city policeman and others charged in a counterfeit-check ring.
Dale E. Posterli, 30, pleaded innocent Wednesday during his arraignment in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
A county grand jury indicted him and 10 others two weeks ago on charges including theft, forgery, receiving stolen property and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Judge Maureen A. Cronin set Posterli's bond at $10,000 and said he can be released if he pays 10 percent of that, or $1,000. A relative paid his bond Wednesday afternoon and he was released shortly afterward.
Posterli, wearing a suit, had shackles on his wrists and ankles, as did all of the others who were arraigned. He is represented by Atty. Lou D'Apolito.
A police department spokesman has said Posterli is suspended without pay while the case is pending.
What's behind charges
Prosecutors said the defendants either stole checks and cashed them, or used computers to create fake checks and cashed them at area banks.
The Vindicator reported in August that Posterli's North Side house had been searched by detectives investigating the check scheme. Also searched was the home of Dwayne Arrington of Thornton Avenue, who was also indicted.
All the cases are assigned to the courtroom of Judge Jack Durkin.
Others indicted are Natalie Mack, Erika Scroggins, Charletta Allen, Gregory Mitchell, Danetta Cleckley, Charmaine Williams and Vincent Atwood, all of Youngstown; Roy Joe White of Hubbard; and Mary Dean of Warren.
bjackson@vindy.com