Scott County woman charged with 19 counts of forgery

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A Scott County woman has been charged with 19 counts of forgery following an investigation into alleged altered bank documents connected to a ward account, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

Carol Jean McClard was arrested May 15 after investigators reviewed records tied to a possible Social Security overpayment issue reported to the Scott County Public Administrator’s Office.

Authorities said the investigation began after the Public Administrator’s Office received correspondence from the Social Security Administration regarding possible overpayments involving a ward account.

Investigators compared bank records allegedly submitted by McClard with subpoenaed records from First State Community Bank and reported finding discrepancies that included altered balances, inconsistent formatting and modified transaction information.

According to the sheriff’s office, McClard allegedly admitted during an interview that she had sent the documents and statements to the Public Administrator’s Office.

McClard is charged with 19 counts of forgery, each a Class D felony under Missouri law.

A warrant was issued May 16 through the 33rd Judicial Circuit Court of Scott County with no bond until her initial court appearance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said additional charges are possible.

All charges are accusations, and McClard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.