Additional arrest made in Bowling Green check fraud investigation

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A second person is behind bars in connection with a Bowling Green check fraud investigation.

According to a report by the Bowling Green Police Department, officers arrested 36-year-old Ashley Cox of Bowling Green on Wednesday regarding a check fraud case that includes alleged incidents dating back to October 2025.

Police say Cox admitted to participating in a check fraud scheme, along with 45-year-old Joseph Cockroft of Bowling Green.

Cockroft was arrested in November 2025 following a search at a local hotel.

During the hotel search, in November, police say they located multiple suspected counterfeit checks, along with tax documents, check stock, at least nine credit or debit cards and other items.

Police say Cockroft confirmed he had been creating fake checks for several years and used a “network” of individuals to negotiate those checks.

According to the report, police seized either confirmed or suspected fake checks made out from various area businesses to individuals, ranging from $120 to more than $1,200.

Cockroft and Cox remain at the Warren County Regional Jail.

Cockroft faces charges of engaging in organized crime, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, possession of a forgery device, engaging in organized crime – criminal syndicate and theft by unlawful taking disposition all others between $1,000 and $10,000.

Cox faces charges of engaging in organized crime – criminal syndicate, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, possession of a forgery device and theft by unlawful taking disposition all others between $1.000 and $10,000.