PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lori Sitler 

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Pager: (302) 247-1132

Date: August 19, 2003

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHECK ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM OFF TO A STRONG START

(Wilmington, DE): In mid-April, Attorney General Jane Brady announced a new initiative to more effectively respond to bad checks in Delaware. Many businesses suffer losses each year because of bad checks. They often do not report the crimes, however, because the time and expense of pursuing a bad check in court often exceed the face value of the check. 

The new Attorney General’s Check Enforcement Program is designed to direct these crimes from the court process, at least initially, and to give victims as well as offenders an alternative to court. Large retail chains as well as small business owners have signed up to be part of the program. To date, over 1,500 businesses have registered and over $30,000 in restitution has been paid. 

Attorney General Brady commented, “There have long been diversion programs that work to the benefit of the offender. This program works to the benefit of victims. ”

In addition to the financial recovery for the victims, 70 bad check writers have entered 

into the program’s education component. That component is designed to provide financial education, including how to balance a check register, to the bad check writers to prevent future violations. 

Karen Penney, who manages the finances for her husband’s business, Milford Glass, said she is “very pleased with the program. I contacted the Milford Police when the [$1,020] check bounced and they told me about the Attorney General’s program. Once I registered with the program, the Attorney General’s office took the ball and ran with it. I think it is a good program that is very helpful especially for small businesses that would have a hard time dealing with such a big loss.”

Merchants who wish to register with the check enforcement program can visit the Attorney

General’s website at attorneygeneral.delaware.gov or they can call 577-8314 for registration information.

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