A woman is currently under investigation after being accused of passing counterfeit $20 bills at a Dollar General store in Senoia, Georgia. The crime was discovered when the store realized that the money used to buy gift cards was not legitimate. Although the woman was not immediately identified, police have made one arrest in connection with the incident.
Investigation and Arrest
The local police department, working closely with the U.S. Secret Service, has made significant progress in their investigation. On the afternoon of the incident, officers detailed how the counterfeit bills were passed in exchange for $200 worth of gift cards at the Dollar General on Highway 16 in Senoia. It was revealed that the quality of the fake $20 bills was so good that it initially went unnoticed.
After the store discovered the counterfeit money, they contacted the police, prompting an investigation. Police soon received a breakthrough when they reviewed security footage from a nearby business. The video showed the vehicle that had been used in the crime leaving the parking lot. The surveillance footage allowed investigators to capture the car’s license plate number, leading them to a key lead.
Connection to Previous Crimes
Through their investigation, police discovered that the car in question had been rented by a man named Ramel Stallings, a 37-year-old resident of Norcross, Georgia. Stallings was arrested shortly after authorities linked him to the counterfeit bills. It was revealed that Stallings was already a person of interest to U.S. Secret Service agents due to his involvement in other counterfeiting activities.
In a twist to the case, investigators found that Stallings had accidentally left behind a bag containing $1,300 in counterfeit bills during a hotel stay in Tennessee. The serial numbers of the bills in the bag matched those of the counterfeit $20 bills used at the Dollar General in Senoia. This connection further linked Stallings to the counterfeit money being circulated in Georgia.
Public Appeal for Help
As of now, authorities have not yet identified the woman involved in passing the fake bills. In their efforts to gather more information, police have released a description of the woman and asked for the public’s help. They are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the woman’s identity to come forward.
The police department has emphasized the importance of community assistance in solving the case, especially with the security footage proving to be a valuable piece of evidence. Authorities have requested anyone with relevant information to contact the Senoia Police Department, where the investigation is ongoing.
The Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation, and authorities are following up on various leads that may further illuminate the extent of the counterfeiting operation. As the investigation continues, police are working with the U.S. Secret Service to ensure that those responsible for printing and distributing the counterfeit money are held accountable.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of counterfeit currency circulating in local communities and the vigilance required to spot fake bills. It also underscores the critical role of surveillance footage and collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies in tackling financial crimes. As police continue their efforts to identify the woman involved and close in on any additional suspects, the community remains on alert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Senoia Dollar General counterfeit incident has revealed a broader network of counterfeit money circulation, with Ramel Stallings at the center of the investigation. While one arrest has been made, the search for the woman who passed the counterfeit $20 bills is still ongoing. With the help of the public and continued efforts from law enforcement, it is expected that further developments in this case will unfold in the coming days.