News

Couple probed in stolen tax refund check investigation

BUFORD, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned Gwinnett County police, the Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Service have launched an investigation into stolen tax refund checks.

Police discovered the checks and an undisclosed large sum of money during a traffic stop Monday night.

"I thought the federal (refund check) would be coming this week, and when you called, I was a little surprised to find out that somebody else picked it up for me," victim Melvin McIntosh told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh.

According to arrest warrants, the person who picked up his federal tax refund check wasn't doing him any favor.

The Stone Mountain man and his wife are among the 39 listed in the warrants alongside a U.S Treasury check number.

McIntosh thought his check was late but now he believes someone may have stolen it.

"As far as I am concerned he should never see daylight," McIntosh said.

Police said they found the checks during a traffic stop along Interstate 85 in Buford late Monday night.

Police arrested the driver of the car, Jimmy Rush, of Decatur, and Porschia Rumph, of Conyers.

Combined, they face more than 60 counts of 2nd degree forgery.

Hours after the arrest, Kavanaugh confirmed the U.S. Postal inspector launched an investigation into stolen mail and they said part of that investigation is determining if Rush or Rumph, or both, are postal workers.

"If they need to steal, they ought to be in  jail, period," McIntosh said.

Over the phone, Kavanaugh also tracked down other possible victims from across Metro Atlanta.

Both suspects remain in jail. They are expected to make their first appearance Wednesday.