Forgery arrests in Vicksburg nearly two weeks ago have led to the dismantling of a ring that cost businesses across central Mississippi hundreds of thousands of dollars, authorities said.

Checks were cashed in more than 12 cities including Vicksburg, Clinton, Ridgeland, Flowood, Richland, Grenada, Madison, Jackson, Meridian and Magee.

“They were in a very lucrative business,” said Lt. Bobby Stewart of the Vicksburg Police Department. The group was described as methodical and well-organized. “They were printing payroll checks,” Stewart said. “It’s very common.”

The investigation spread to the Pearl Police Department and Hinds County Sheriff’s Department after July 26, when Vicksburg police arrested two Jackson men at Horizon Casino on Mulberry Street.

Authorities believe Damean Ellis, 23, 1225 Bailey Ave., and Latezz Hogan, 24, 1608 N. Blair St., were “mules” in the ring. They would cash the fraudulent checks and take the money back to higher-ups, Stewart said.

“They only get paid so much,” said Stewart. “They go in and carry it back to the recruiter or the source.”

After being detained for the attempt at Horizon, Ellis and Hogan were charged on July 28 with uttering a forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery. They had cashed forged checks at Walmart on Iowa Boulevard, Sgt. Sandra Williams said. Police here then sent an alert to area law enforcement agencies asking if they had similar cases involving checks bearing similar names, and the organization began to unravel.

Pearl police then coordinated the investigation that resulted in more arrests of Jackson area residents and warrants for the arrest of others.

Accused as principals:

• Dexter Terrell Butler, 35, 4661 Churchill Drive, Jackson, charged with felony conspiracy, identity theft and offering a counterfeit note. He was out on a felony in an unrelated case.

• Patrick Johnson, 27, 243 Lexington Ave., Jackson, wanted, no charge listed.

• Vincent Reuben Anderson, 37, 515 Broadmoor Drive, Jackson, charged with identity theft and felony conspiracy.

Accused of recruiting:

•Calvin Terrell Shelton, 31, 1903 Lamar St., Jackson, charged with uttering a forgery.

• Mindy Chrome Stamps, 31, 4237 Johnson Court, Jackson, charged with felony conspiracy.

Accused as mules:

• Markita Lashay Harris, 25, 975 Garvin St., No. 4G, Jackson, charged with accessory before the fact.

• Tramaine Sade Kelly, 24, 108 Waterwell Road, Brandon, charged with uttering a forgery.

• Vincent Edward Pack, 21, 162 Mary Miles Drive, Brandon, charged with attempting to commit a felony.

• Ray T. King, 24, 192 Collier Road, Brandon, charged with uttering a forgery.

Hogan and Ellis remained in the Warren County Jail today under $75,000 bonds each.

Butler remained in the Rankin County Jail on hold for conspiracy to commit a crime and uttering a forgery in Vicksburg, Stewart said.

King, Shelton and Anderson were being held in the Rankin County Jail today. King was being held on a $1,000 bond; Shelton on $10,000; and Anderson on $60,000.

Pack, Harris and Stamps were released from the Rankin County Jail on $1,000 bonds.

The Rankin County Jail had no record of Kelly, but his bond was reported to have been set at $1,000.

Stewart said Vicksburg officials expect to file more charges against current and possibly new suspects.

“We do have suspects we’re still trying to positively identify with some other checks passed here in the month of July,” Stewart said.

Pearl officials said they expect to serve about 11 more warrants.