Crossville Police Department and CCSD Break Up Travelling Counterfeit Ring

Press Release from Crossville Police Department:

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, put an end to a mobile counterfeiting and theft operation, that had passed counterfeit currency and stolen merchandise from several counties over at least the preceding three days.

The investigation has revealed that from August 10^th, at least six subjects went to multiple businesses in several counties, making purchases by passing counterfeit bills, leaving with merchandise and cash change. On Wednesday, the 12^th, the subjects made it to Crossville, where they went to approximately 15 business and passed more of their counterfeit fifty-dollar bills. Four of the subjects were in a Red rental car with Michigan tags, and two others were in a Grey SUV.

After committing their crimes, at several stores inside the Crossville Outlet Mall, the group then traveled to the Woodmere Mall Dollar General store, where employees obtained tag and vehicle descriptions. Using a vehicle description from the business, Cumberland County Sheriff investigators spotted the Red sedan at a Lantana Road business. The vehicle was stopped as it pulled away, at approximately 1:30pm.

Three subjects were arrested from the vehicle, along with the recovery of over $3k in cash and 30+ counterfeit bills in their possession, in addition to the equipment used to counterfeit the currency. Also recovered was several hundred dollars’ worth of stolen property from various businesses. 27 counterfeit bills were passed and recovered from businesses in Crossville alone, and the U.S. Secret service is now involved in the investigation along with any other counties involved. The Crossville Police are still gathering information on additional victims and businesses. A juvenile was involved and located in the Red sedan, but has not been charged at this time.

At least 1 black male and 1 black female, who were in the Grey SUV, are still at large at this time. The identity of the suspects at large is unknown. It is believed that the last two suspects are from Charleston, SC. The investigation is still on-going.

Any information can be passed on to Detective Jon Tollett, with the Crossville Police Department.