Rosemount Man Accused of Bilking College Bookstore

A 54-year-old Rosemount man stands accused of using bad checks to buy over $1,000 of books from the Inver Hills Community College bookstore.

Isreal Bryant,  Jr. is charged with theft by check, a felony carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to Inver Grove police, the incident in question occurred on April 27, 2012. That day Bryant entered bookstore at community college in Inver Grove Heights, and selected a number of books, totaling $1,283. Surveillance video allegedly shows Bryant at the checkout counter, handing a checkbook to a female, who then uses the checkbook to pay for the purchase. The tape also shows a second transaction for $65.95.

The college called Inver Grove police on May 2, 2012, when Bryant came back to the bookstore and attempted to make a return. Based on previous experiences with Bryant, store employees refused to allow the return until the check had cleared. On examination, paperwork from college's bank indicated that the check used to pay for the books had been written from a closed account in Bryant's name.

Further investigation revealed that Bryant's bank closed the account in August 2011 due to extensive overdrafts. 

A warrant for Bryant's arrest was issued on April 9, 2013. He was arrested on Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 1.