A Batesburg man was sentenced to prison for eight years for using stolen checks.

Per a release from the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Jonathan Obrian West, 38, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of forgery, possession of methamphetamine and ecstasy, and unlawful carrying of a pistol, with Chief Administrative Judge Walton McLeod, IV, levying the sentence.

“Between June 24, 2022, and October 21, 2022, West illegally obtained checks that had been sent through the mail,” the release states. “He altered the checks to utilize them for his own benefit. West used these stolen checks at businesses in the Batesburg-Leesville area and deposited others into personal bank accounts. He was captured on surveillance camera during these acts. 

“West also pled guilty to charges from Aiken County stemming from a September 5, 2022, incident in which Aiken Department of Public Safety stopped a vehicle being driven by West, and a search of the vehicle uncovered a handgun under the driver’s seat, as well as quantities of methamphetamine and ecstasy.”

West, who was transported to the state Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence, has previous convictions for assault, grand larceny, drug possession, burglary shoplifting, identity fraud, extortion and black mail, in addition to having been previously convicted for check fraud and forgery.

The case was investigated by the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Irmo Police Department and the Aiken Department of Public Safety, and was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Bruce Norton II.