Two women were arrested by the Ames Police Department Tuesday on second degree theft and forgery charges stemming from counterfeit checks.

Officials said Antoinette Gaines, of Hammund, Ind., and Roshanda Cole, of Chicago, set up two bank accounts using false identifications. The women then deposited counterfeit checks into the accounts at two First National Banks in Ames, said Cmdr. Jim Robinson of the Ames Police Department.

Robinson said the true owners of the counterfeit checks are unknown.

Each of the two women withdrew $4,900 from the accounts on Monday, he said.

First National Bank contacted the Ames Police Department after the withdrawal and was told to notify investigators if the individuals came into the bank again, Robinson said.

Robinson said one or both of the women returned Tuesday and attempted to withdraw more money from the account.

First National Bank then contacted police, and investigators arrested the women.

Gaines, 41, is charged with theft in the second degree and forgery, each a Class D felony.

Cole, 22, is charged with second degree theft, also a Class D felony.

If convicted, both women could spend a maximum of five years in jail and pay a fine ranging from $500 to $7,500.

Both women are being held on bond at the Story County Jail.