The Mansfield Division of Police has taken approximately 10 reports over the last month regarding the passing of counterfeit notes (money) at local businesses. These counterfeit notes have been in denominations of both $20 and $100, with most of them being in $20 denominations. The counterfeit notes often share the same serial numbers.
Victim businesses have frequently been fast food and area restaurants. However, other victim businesses have included dry cleaners, gas stations, convenience stores and department stores. The notes are easily identified by using a counterfeit detection pen. The investigation has revealed that the counterfeit notes have been passed in other areas of Richland County as well. The Mansfield Division of Police is being aided by the Secret Service on these counterfeit cases.
Below are two snapshots showing suspects who purchased a TV with counterfeit notes at Walmart on March 11th at approximately 7:24 PM. One photo shows the suspect who purchased the TV using the counterfeit notes as he leaves the store. The other photo shows the dark colored SUV crossover type vehicle the TV was loaded into with the vehicle’s driver who helped load it into the cargo area.
We are asking that any area businesses that have been a victim of these crimes or who becomes a victim in the future, to please contact local law enforcement immediately and provide as much suspect information as possible. Anyone with additional information about the counterfeit notes or who may be able to identify the suspects in the photos, is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective Richard Clapp at (419) 755-9470.