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Youngstown woman faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud, forgery

By Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office
gavel, keyboard
(Getty Images)

The following cases were handled Wednesday before Judge Sean O’Brien of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court:

  • Lenda A. West, 60, of Wirt Street, Youngstown, pleaded guilty to charges of forgery and attempted telecommunications fraud, both fourth-degree felonies. West, who could face a maximum combined sentence of three years in prison, will submit to a background investigation conducted by probation officers before sentencing. The case involved an investigation by the Trumbull County Veterans Services office into a case were $8,579 of unqualified VA benefits were fraudulently released. Prosecutors stated that in August 2023, through email West had submitted a fraudulent honorable discharge form to apply for the benefits. The investigation had uncovered that West was dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • Maurice E. Evans III, 23, of Tod Avenue NW, Warren, pleaded guilty to a third-degree having weapons while under disability felony. Evans, who could face up to three years in prison, will submit to a background investigation before sentencing. The case involved a June 30, 2023, incident where Warren police investigated a shots fired call in the 1000 block of Riverview. The investigation netted two pistols in a vehicle, including a Glock 17 9mm firearm that was found on the rear floorboard which belonged to Evans, prosecutors stated. Evans -- because of a secret drug indictment issued earlier in 2023 -- was not allowed to carry firearms.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2024 at 3:13 PM.