4 Georgians Indicted for Forging 'Bogus Checks' from State Agency

The accused allegedly stole over $53,600 from the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Four individuals from Georgia - Ashanti Asberry, Aieriana Turner, Nakesha Bryant, and Daria Martin - have been indicted on charges of fraudulently creating and forging checks from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. The group is accused of using the fake checks to steal over $53,600 from the state agency, despite having no employment or business relations with it.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of fraud and theft targeting government agencies and public funds. It underscores the importance of robust financial controls and oversight to protect taxpayer dollars from criminal exploitation.

The details

According to the indictments, the four individuals wrote 'bogus checks' from the Georgia Department of Driver Services and used them to steal over $53,600. The charges include counts of theft by taking and forgery, with the indictments secured across multiple counties in Georgia.

  • The indictments against the four were secured on Friday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Ashanti Asberry

A 26-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, indicted in Fulton County for 1 count of theft by taking and 1 count of forgery.

Aieriana Turner

A 25-year-old resident of Columbus, Georgia, indicted in Muscogee County for 2 counts of theft by taking and 2 counts of forgery.

Nakesha Bryant

A 40-year-old resident of Richland, Georgia, indicted in Stewart County for 1 count of theft by taking and 1 count of forgery.

Daria Martin

A 25-year-old resident of Bremen, Georgia, indicted in DeKalb County for 1 count of theft by taking and 1 count of forgery.

Chris Carr

The Attorney General of Georgia, whose office secured the indictments against the four individuals.

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What they’re saying

“We're fighting to ensure every tax dollar is protected – not pocketed by criminals.”

— Chris Carr, Attorney General of Georgia (wsbtv.com)

“Let me be clear – if you steal from the State and hardworking Georgians, you will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Fraud and theft won't be tolerated, no matter the amount.”

— Chris Carr, Attorney General of Georgia (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the accused individuals out on bail at a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing need for government agencies to maintain robust financial controls and oversight to protect public funds from fraud and theft. It also serves as a warning that such criminal activities will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by state authorities.