Utah fugitive arrested in Mesquite

MESQUITE, Nevada (KDXU) - A Utah fugitive has been arrested in Mesquite. Officials from Utah Parole and Prevention reported to Nevada police on December 22 that 35-year-old James Buice Phillips of South Salt Lake City was likely staying there.

Police say he was found in a hotel with nearly 90 forged checks, written to him ready for deposit, along with meth, heroin and evidence of a check forgery lab.

Police say he was also caught with a stolen van.

Phillips was charged with 58 felony counts of forgery, 27 felony counts of possession with intent to utter fictitious note, 7 felony county of attempt to possess identifying information of another, felony possession of heroin, meth and a forgery lab, felony of a stolen vehicle and a fugitive from justice from another state.

Police say due to the felony charges, Phillips was transported to the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

"Our strong working relationship with other law enforcement agencies helps us combat crime that comes to Mesquite through interstate travel," says Chief MaQuade Chesley of the Mesquite Police Department.