Medina Woman Arrested for Funny Money
Make sure you have the counterfeit pen with you the next time you go shopping because these phony bills keep on showing up.
The purchase of a small cup of coffee Monday led to the arrest of a woman for forgery and an investigation by the Secret Service.A 65-year-old Medina woman bought the coffee at the H-E-B deli and paid with what police said they believe were two counterfeit $1 bills.Kerrville Police Department Officer Nelton Spittler and Cpl. Phil Engstrom arrived after employees discovered the forged bills.
According to Spittler, it was “very obvious” the bills were counterfeit.
The woman initially said she went to a garage sale and received the bills as change.
She also said a friend dropped her off at H-E-B.
Police talked with the friend, who turned out to be the woman’s roommate and who said she saw the suspect make counterfeit money.
Police responded by arresting the woman and charging her with forgery.
After her arrest, police found envelopes in her purse that contained $6,380 in counterfeit bills: 55 $100 bills, 31 $20 bills, 10 $10 bills, 25 $5 bills and 35 $1 bills. Seventeen money orders, which are believed to be counterfeit, also were found in the purse.
The woman was charged with forgery of government money, a third-degree felony, and taken to the Kerr County Jail. She remains there on a $150,000 bond.
If convicted, she could face two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Kerrville police turned the case over to the Secret Service, which investigates the counterfeiting of U.S. currency.
People who believe they have received counterfeit money should contact KPD at 257-8181 or the Secret Service field office in San Antonio at (210) 308-6220.
If you think you have received counterfeit money:
• Do not return it to the passer.
• Delay the passer if possible.
• Be able to describe the passer’s and any companions physical attributes, note the license plate numbers of any vehicles used.
• Contact the Kerrville Police Department at 257-8181 or the Secret Service field office in San Antonio at (210) 308-6220.
• Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect note.
• Limit the handling of the note. Carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope.
• Surrender the note or coin only to a properly identified police officer or a Secret Service special agent.
Source: www.secretservice.govhttp://web.dailytimes.com/story.lasso?ewcd=866e65e8fac99ea0
