By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Authorities announced the arrest of eight St. John men as part of an investigation into a rash of counterfeit payroll checks circulating throughout the parish.

Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said the investigation that goes back to October of last year is still ongoing and may involve as many as 30 more suspects. He said the counterfeiters have hit up three local merchants, who have been victimized for over $100,000.

Clement said the suspects arrested last week were forging copies of legitimate payroll checks of local construction contractors doing work in the parish. Those arrested in the investigation include Michael Bovie, 19, of Reserve, charged with fraud; Niari Burton, 24, of LaPlace, charged with theft; Jahmeika Perrilloux, 20, of LaPlace, charged with two counts of fraud and two counts of theft; Jamall Perrilloux, 21, of Reserve, charged with fraud and two counts of theft; Darnell Johnson, 22, of LaPlace, charged with fraud; Demarcus Branch, 20, of Reserve, charged with fraud; Freddie James, 20, of Reserve, charged with fraud; and Bruce James, 20, of Reserve, charged with Fraud.

Clement said two of the check-cashing businesses victimized by the counterfeiters were in Edgard and one is in Reserve.

He said the origin of the fake checks has not been found.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact Detective Will Stelly at 985-652-9513, ext. 157.