A man convicted of stealing blank checks from two businesses, forging the signatures and cashing the checks has been sentenced to the maximum jail term of seven years for stealing. The first case against Malcolm Dalle charged him with two counts of stealing and two counts of forgery on allegations that he stole checks belonging to Friendly Car Rental and cashed the checks.

The second case against Dalle accused him of stealing, forging and cashing checks belonging to Pacific Channel Samoa. The defendant pled guilty to two counts of stealing and two counts of forgery in the first case and pled guilty to stealing in the second case, while the remaining count of forgery was dismissed.

Each stealing and forgery count is a class C felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to $5,000, a fine equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of said crime up to a maximum of $20,000 or both fine and imprisonment.

The government’s cases against Dalle took place in September and October 2012, respectively. The defendant has agreed to pay restitution to both victims in each case. During sentencing, the defendant apologized for his actions, noting that he’s fully remorseful.

Dalle further apologized to his church and his parents for the wrongful actions which have tarnished their good family name. He also apologized to the businesses involved in the matter.

Assistant Public Defender Karen Shelley, who represented the defendant, stated that Dalle has learned his lesson since the incident. The defense counsel asked the court to place her client on probation.

However the prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Tony Graf said it appears that Dalle has not learned a lesson, because he was facing charges on the crime of stealing in 2012 and then was charged again last year.

Graf asked the court to impose a sentence, which would be a deterrent for the defendant, as his actions indicate that he does not care about other people’s property. Dalle was sentenced to seven years straight jail time for stealing.

According to the government’s case, on October 1, 2012 a businessman reported that a check had been stolen from his business, Pacific Channel Samoa and was cashed in the amount of $1,500. This first case against the defendant charged him with two counts of stealing, two counts of forgery and resisting arrest.

The government’s second case alleged the defendant went over to Friendly Car Rental to make reservations and while he was there, allegedly stole a box of checks. It was alleged that he later forged and cashed two of the checks — one at a local store, another at one of the local banks.