Logan woman who passed false checks sentenced to inpatient rehab instead of prison

Tori Searle, 39, accused of cashing fraudulent checks and stealing money from local businesses. 

LOGAN — A 40-year-old Logan woman who stole money from at least nine local businesses and then tried to run, was ordered to stay in jail until she can successfully complete a drug rehab program.

Tori C. Searle appeared in 1st District Court Monday morning. She was previously charged with one count of money laundering, a second-degree felony, two counts of theft by deception and 33 counts of forgery, all third-degree felonies.

Police alleged, Searle wrote checks that had belonged to a man who had passed away. She then cashed those checks at numerous businesses.

Officers initially charged Searle with illegally cashing fraudulent checks. Even after being questioned and charged, investigators found she continued to pass more checks off.

In June 2016, Searle accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to all charges. As part of the agreement, the charges were suspended if she successfully completed Drug Court, a weekly supervised treatment program.

Later that month, Searle allegedly fled the area and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She remained on the run until police in Tooele County arrested her in February. They report she was homeless and living in a car.

During Monday’s sentencing, public defender Shannon Demler said Searle’s drug addictions and “zero-sum lifestyle” had been hard on her. He noted that the court had tried to help her but she refused and went on the run for eight-months.

State attorney Aaron Josie told the court the defendant’s case represents many counts of dishonesty. He suspected that Searle agreed to Drug Court just so she could be released from jail and flee the area.

Searle spoke only briefly. She told the court she wanted to apologize to everyone involved.

Judge Thomas Willmore ordered her to remain in jail until she can be admitted into the inpatient rehab program. He warned her that if she tries to run again, he will send her to prison.

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