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Senoia Police Seek Public’s Help in Counterfeit Money Case
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SENOIA — August 22, 2024 — Senoia police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a counterfeit money case. the investigation began after authorities discovered fake $20 bills were used at a local Dollar General.The police have arrested one man, but are still looking for a woman, adn are appealing to the public for assistance.
Senoia police Seek Public’s Help in Counterfeit Money Case at dollar General
Senoia, Ga. — Senoia police are requesting assistance from the public to identify a woman suspected of using counterfeit $20 bills at a local Dollar General store. One man has already been arrested in connection wiht the incident.
The Investigation Unfolds
- Initial Discovery: Dollar General employees contacted the police after discovering that several $20 bills used in a recent transaction were counterfeit.
- Detective Work: according to police, diligent investigative work led to the arrest of Ramel Stallings, 37, of Norcross, Ga. Stallings was already on the radar of the U.S. Secret Service due to prior counterfeiting allegations.
- Evidence Presentation: At a press conference held at the Senoia Police Department, authorities displayed $200 in fake bills that were used to purchase gift cards at the Dollar General store on Highway 16 in February.
Key Evidence and Arrest
- Surveillance Footage: A breakthrough came when security footage captured the suspect’s vehicle leaving the parking lot.
- License plate:
With that video from a nearby surveillance camera, the detective was able to gain the vehicle’s license number,
said Capt. Jason Ercole of the Senoia Police department. - Rental Car: The license plate led police to Stallings,who had rented the car. He was subsequently charged with
party to the crime of counterfeiting.
Secret Service Connection
Stallings was already on the U.S. Secret Service’s radar due to a prior incident in Tennessee.
He had actually checked out of a hotel room and left behind $1,300 in counterfeit money and those serial numbers matched the serial numbers of the bills that were used in Senoia.
Capt. Jason Ercole,Senoia Police Department
Capt. Ercole expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the secret Service and the Spalding County sheriff’s Office.
The Search Continues
The Senoia Police Department is still seeking to identify the woman involved in passing the counterfeit bills. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department.
FAQ: Counterfeit Currency
- What should I do if I suspect I have counterfeit money?
- Do not try to spend it. Contact your local police department or the U.S. Secret Service.
- What are the penalties for counterfeiting?
- Penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
- How can businesses protect themselves from counterfeit money?
- train employees to recognize security features and use counterfeit detection devices.
- Tennessee: A similar incident occurred where a teen was accused of attempting to use $500 in counterfeit bills at a Tennessee Dollar General [[1]].
- Mississippi: Law enforcement in Okolona, Miss., investigated counterfeit money at Dollar General stores [[2]].
- Senoia: Another fake money bust occurred at a Senoia Dollar General, highlighting the financial losses and loss of trust in the payment system that these incidents can cause [[3]].
