Dec 1, 2016 2 min read

South Strabane Township police charged an estranged couple with multiple counts of forgery and bad checks, as well as theft, conspiracy and identity theft, for allegedly opening accounts at two credit unions in the names of other people, making deposits with bad checks and then withdrawing money from automated-teller machines.

Solomon Chambers, 49, of 1761 Donnan Ave., South Strabane, and Eileen Chambers, 46, of 126 Smith St., Canonsburg, are accused of opening the accounts between June and October while they were living together.

Police received a report Sept. 30 from Solomon Chambers claiming his wife opened bank accounts in his name and he was being contacted by several banks telling him he owes them money because of transactions involving nonsufficient funds.

Detective Michael Schidlmeier spoke with loss-prevention employees for two credit unions who believed accounts had been opened fraudulently using online services. There were eight accounts opened and 23 bad checks deposited. Four of those accounts were opened in the names of either Solomon or Eileen Chambers, while four other accounts were opened in the names of other people.

The total restitution owed by the pair is $28,425.74, police stated in court documents.

Solomon Chambers was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Joshua Kanalis and placed in Washington County Jail on $2,500 bond. wCharges against Eileen Chambers will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 27 at Weller’s office.