Forged checks on South Whidbey lead to prison

A 45-year-old Marysville woman who forged checks at several South Whidbey businesses is going to prison.

Snohomish resident Marna Trenowski pleaded guilty by way of an Alford plea to identity theft and seven counts of forgery in Island County Superior Court May 24. In an Alford plea, the defendant doesn't admit guilt but agrees that there probably is sufficient evidence for conviction.

Judge Alan Hancock sentenced Trenowski to a year and eight months in prison and ordered her to pay $1,773 in fines and fees. He said he was giving her a long sentence due to her extensive criminal history. She has convictions in Snohomish County for possession of stolen property, forgery and residential burglary.

Hancock told Trenowski he hopes this is the last time she will have to be imprisoned. Trenowski said she has the same hope.

"I'm ready to change my life around," Trenowski said.

She was convicted of writing forged checks at a number of South Whidbey businesses, including the Star Store, Virginia's Antiques, Linds Pharmacy and Clinton Square Chevron. In all, Trenowski bilked the businesses for more than $800.

Hancock ordered Trenowski not to have any contact with those stores for five years.

In court papers, Postal Inspector M.J. Corricelli claimed Trenowski was part of a criminal organization in Snohomish County involved in identity theft, auto theft, narcotics and burglary.

On Nov. 14, 2001, detectives from Snohomish seized a computer from the leader of the organization and found templates for making fake identification cards or driver's licenses. The computer contained a digital image of Trenowski, presumably for making fake identification cards for her, the report states.

Trenowski's arrest comes as a result of a joint investigation by the Langley Police Department and the Island County Sheriff's Office.

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