Local woman sentenced to five years for forgery

RUSK -- On Thursday, Aug. 27, the honorable Judge R. Chris Day of the Second Judicial District Court in Cherokee County, sentenced Cherokee County resident Rona Humphrey, also known as Rona Green, 54, to five years’ incarceration for forging her 86-year-old stepfather’s name on 34 documents; and two years in state jail for possession of crack cocaine.

The Court further ordered her to pay $33,000 in restitution to the victim.

With Coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions in place, the Court conducted a hearing where evidence was presented that Humphery had been entrusted with the finances of her widowed father. She used this trust to cash checks, take out payday loans and to obtain dental care for herself.

According to court records, when interrogated by law enforcement about the suspicious checks, she admitted to the forgeries.

The case was investigated by Cherokee County Sheriff Elect Brent Dickson in 2017-18, while he was a detective for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

In delivering his sentence, Judge Day noted that crimes against the elderly and crimes against children cause him great concern and that he believes they warrant greater punishment because of the vulnerable nature of these citizens.

“As an agent of the government, it is my duty to protect the property of the citizens of Cherokee County,” Judge Day noted.

Cherokee County Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey of Rusk represented the state. Allen Ross of Jacksonville represented the defendant.