Three people face charges after counterfeit money was seized in Sarnia
Sarnia Police officials say on January 20, 2016 a male suspect uttered a counterfeit U.S. $20 bill for a small purchase of items in the 100 Block of Exmouth St. in the City of Sarnia and received change back from the purchase.
This act was caught on surveillance.
Then on January 22, 2016 the same male suspect attempted the same crime of uttering a $20 U.S. counterfeit bill to purchase a small quantity of items. The employee realized the money was counterfeit and the suspect left unsuccessfully.
On January 25, 2016 the suspect attempted for his 3rd time to utter a counterfeit U.S. $20 bill and was able to purchase a small quantity of items and received change back from the fraudulent purchase at a local establishment. Again his image was caught on video. A member of the Sarnia Police Service COPPS Unit was able to identify the male suspect from the video images.
Finally, on January 26, 2016 the suspect uttered a counterfeit $20 bill purchasing items and receiving legitimate change. Fortunately, this time the store contacted police immediately and they were able to arrest the male suspect in the 1300 block of London Road at 2:40 pm for the possession of counterfeit money.
On the same date members of the Sarnia Police COPPS unit requested a warrant to search the residence of the accused in the 800 block of Colborne Road in the City of Sarnia for further evidence to the case.
At approximately 4:15 pm entry was made into the apartment by members of the Sarnia Police COPPS Unit and Criminal Investigation Division.
Upon entry into the apartment, two female occupants were present and arrested.
During the search a total of $2,700 of counterfeit U.S bills in various denominations and stages of production were located.
The two females, a 23-year-old and a 24-year-old, were both charged with Making Counterfeit Money and Possessing Counterfeit Money and were subsequently released on Promises to Appear.
The male accused 23-years-old of Sarnia, was charged with Making Counterfeit Money, Possessing Counterfeit Money, Uttering Counterfeit Money x4, Fraud Under $5000 x3 and Attempt Fraud Under and held for a Bail Hearing.
