Wyoming County Report

Local News

January 23, 2012

Four face counterfeit charges in Mullens

By Mary Catherine Brooks Wyoming County Bureau Chief

Four people were arrested last week in connection with a counterfeiting scheme, according to Mullens Police Chief Ray Toler.

Counterfeit bills were passed in Mullens, Maben, and Bud areas, Toler said.

Most of the bills were $20s and $100s, he noted.

Officers spent several hours reviewing video surveillance from area businesses, the chief explained.

The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected, according to Toler.

Businesses are being warned that a counterfeit bill has turned up in the county nearly every day over the past several weeks, Toler emphasized.

An arrest was made a few weeks ago in Pineville, he added.

Those arrested last week include:

Brandon W. Faulkner, of Mullens, was charged with counterfeiting, passing counterfeit bills, and conspiracy to commit a felony, Toler said. His bond was set at $35,000.

Geina Wood, of Itmann, was charged with passing counterfeit bills and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. Bond was set at $25,000.

David M. Hess, of Stephenson, was charged with passing counterfeit bills; his bond was set at $5,000.

Ashley R. Coe, of Black Eagle, was also charged with passing counterfeit bills; her bond was also set at $5,000.

Assisted by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, officers executed a search warrant at a Mullens residence and also seized a computer believed to be used in the scheme.

Sheriff Randall Aliff, Chief Deputy C.S. Parker, Assistant Police Chief Jack Meadows, Lt. Jimmy White, Sgt. Will Hall, Sgt. Clemmins, Sgt. Tommy Blankenship, and Deputy Eric McKinney were also involved in the investigation.

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