A well-organized counterfeit currency scheme targeting businesses was brought to an abrupt halt last week, thanks to the sharp eye of a grocery store clerk and the swift response of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Three individuals are in custody, and a fourth faces a forthcoming arrest warrant, after they circulated fraudulent $100 bills throughout the county.
According to a statement from the MCSO, the Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions successfully intercepted a group of traveling criminals who had entered Martin County with the express purpose of defrauding businesses. The suspects split up and successfully passed counterfeit $100 bills at no fewer than nine different stores, using them to make small purchases and receive legitimate currency as change.
READ: Convicted Felon Arrested With Enough Fentanyl To Kill Entire Population Of A Florida County
The scheme unraveled when a grocery store clerk noticed something was amiss with one of the bills. The clerk alerted their manager, who immediately called the Sheriff’s Office.
That single phone call provided deputies with the time needed to track the suspects before they could inflict further monetary damage on the community.
MCSO deputies and detectives quickly located the suspects’ vehicle and apprehended the group. During the investigation, detectives seized thousands of dollars in counterfeit $100 bills hidden inside the vehicle. Deputies say 13 of the fake bills were found stuffed inside a Bible in the glove compartment.
Investigators revealed the criminals had bleached legitimate $10 bills and reprinted them to appear as $100 bills. This method allowed the fakes to feel authentic and even pass the counterfeit-detection pen test, as the paper stock was genuine U.S. currency.
Four individuals were identified as part of the ring. During the arrest, one of the suspects, a pregnant female, went into labor and was transported to a local hospital for care. A warrant for her arrest will be forthcoming.
READ: Winter Haven Woman Arrested On Felony Warrant In Wahneta
The other three suspects were identified as 31-year-old Wessly Aurelio Cuyuch, 34-year-old ONeill Aubrin, and 34-year-old Ali E. Martinez-Conde, all of Broward County. They were transported to the Martin County Jail, where they each face charges related to the counterfeit scheme and are being held on a $155,000 bond.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is urging business owners and residents to be vigilant. If you believe you have received one of these counterfeit $100 bills, which may feel real but lack the proper security features of a genuine $100, please contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office immediately to file a report.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
