Man who cashed several checks here gets two years in prison

By Signal Staff

A Fullerton man was sentenced to prison for cashing multiple fake checks in Fillmore County.
James M. Campbell, 39, Fullerton and from Indiana, was sentenced to two consecutive two-year terms with the Nebraska Department of Corrections by Fillmore County District Court Judge David J.A. Bargen on September 8. Court costs were taxed to the defendant. Using good time, the defendant could be eligible for parole in just under two years. He was given credit for 109 days time served.
Campbell accepted a plea agreement on July 14, and pleaded guilty to two Class 4 felonies—2nd degree Forgery and Criminal possession of a forged instrument. He also agreed to pay $15,240.52 in restitution to Heartland Bank.
Prior to sentencing, Campbell told the court he wants to serve his time and return to Indiana. “I’ve been going through a struggle,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with courts for eight years.”
Judge Bargen said, the defendant has not lived a law-abiding life and is not a fit candidate for probation.
According to court records, on June 7, 2023, Campbell and two other males cashed fake checks at Heartland Bank locations in Geneva, Grafton, Shickley and Fairmont. Charges were filed in July of that year and Campbell fled to Florida and then later to Indiana, where he turned himself in.