(WNY News Now) – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Cuba resident with multiple felonies following a theft and forgery investigation.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Monica A. Barber, 39, of Cuba, NY, in connection with a theft and check forgery case involving thousands of dollars in losses.

According to investigators, Barber was arrested on April 14, 2025, at approximately 9:58 a.m., following an inquiry into a reported theft. Authorities say Barber unlawfully entered a victim’s residence and stole jewelry along with a checkbook.

Barber allegedly used the stolen checkbook to forge multiple checks, which she then cashed at various banks. The total amount withdrawn through the forged checks was reported to be over $3,000.

As a result of the investigation, Barber was charged with the following offenses:

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class D felony)
• Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
• Forgery in the Third Degree
• Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree

Barber was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Portville Town Court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.