Staff Report

Richard D. Hemphill

WARSAW — An Illinois man was arrested for allegedly using a check that did not belong to him to purchase Legos in Kosciusko County.

Richard D. Hemphill, 32, Riverdale, Ill., is charged with forgery, a level 6 felony; and theft and resisting law enforcement, both class A misdemeanors.

On May 9, a Warsaw detective received information from Walmart employees about a man using a check that did not belong to him to purchase two Lego sets totaling $214.

The incident occurred on May 8, with the check’s owners confirming they did not give anyone permission to use the check. Officers used surveillance footage from the store to identify Hemphill as the suspect.

According to court documents, a cashier digitally processed the check, with Hemphill using his finger to sign on an electronic signature pad. That same day, Hemphill returned the two sets to a Walmart store in Schererville, taking the cash return and leaving the store.

On May 12, the detective was notified about Hemphill being at the Warsaw store. When Hemphill noticed officers, he ran out of the store, disregarding commands and attempting to enter a vehicle. He ran across the store’s parking lot and was apprehended.

Hemphill told police he was purchasing a gift for a relative.

Hemphill has already been arrested and released on bond.