Sayre, OK – A Sayre man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he organized a forged check scheme from inside the Beckham County Jail, allegedly directing others to obtain and use stolen checks to secure his release.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Rodney Lee Kirk, 39, is accused of coordinating the scheme through recorded jail phone calls while incarcerated on an unrelated felony eluding charge. Investigators say the activity occurred in mid-December.
Court records state that during the calls, Kirk discussed checks, provided instructions to multiple people, and directed how financial documents should be completed and used to post bond.
Investigators allege Kirk instructed Jodie Lynn Tignor, 44, of Elk City to locate business checks and arrange for them to be delivered through another individual to Amanda Leann Conner, 35, of Sayre, who was responsible for using the checks for bonding purposes.
According to court documents, Kirk later provided a business owner’s name to be placed on the check and discussed whether the check would clear and whether law enforcement might investigate the transaction.
On December 16, a $5,000 business check bearing a forged signature was brought to the Beckham County Jail to bond Kirk out. The check was seized and later determined to be stolen and forged.
The business owner told investigators the business had been inactive for several years, that no one had permission to use the checks, and that the signature on the check was not authorized.
According to the affidavit, after learning the check had been seized, Kirk allegedly made additional recorded calls discussing ways to avoid detection, including stating the check should have been cashed at a casino. Investigators also say Kirk discussed running and hiding, offered to conceal others involved, and talked about leaving the state, specifically mentioning Massachusetts.
Court records also state Conner told Kirk during a recorded call that she had already cashed one check for $980 for herself.
Kirk faces multiple felony charges including second-degree forgery, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, obtaining money by false pretenses, and violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
Tignor has been charged with conspiracy, second-degree forgery, and computer fraud and unlawful use of a computer or system.
Conner has been charged with computer fraud and unlawful use of a computer or system, second-degree forgery, conspiracy, and uttering a forged instrument.
A judge initially set Kirk’s bond at $30,000 but later reconsidered and increased it to $100,000 after reviewing additional information. The higher bond was requested based on Kirk’s prior eluding offense, continued criminal activity while incarcerated, and recorded statements indicating an intent to flee.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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