(SLIDELL)---The viewing of surveillance videos led detectives with the Slidell Police Department and a couple of store employees to identify a Picayune, Mississippi couple as the suspects in a case where a woman's check book was allegedly stolen and checks were cashed at some seven area stores, according to the Slidell Police Department.

Slidell Police Capt. Kevin Foltz reports that 24-year-old Anthony S. Smith, Jr. has been charged with nine counts of being a principal to theft, nine counts of being a principal to identity theft, nine counts of being a principal to monetary instrument abuse, and nine counts of being a principal to forgery.

Capt. Foltz adds that 21-year-old Amanda Smith has been charged with 11 counts of theft, nine counts of identity theft, nine counts of monetary instrument abuse, and nine counts of forgery.

The case began on Tuesday, May 20, when a Picayune woman reported that checks from her account were apparently being cashed at Slidell-area stores after she realized that one of her check books had allegedly been stolen. Capt. Foltz reports that detectives went to two of the stores, viewed surveillance videos, and learned from employees that the suspects were Anthony and Amanda Smith. Capt. Foltz adds that a photo lineup was conducted and the victim reported that she recognized both, as she told detectives she had a "family connection" to Anthony Smith.

Capt. Foltz says that detectives obtained some 74 warrants for the couple, 38 on Amanda Smith and 36 on Anthony Smith, and were able to take both into custody on Friday, June 27.

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