This is a photo illustration of $20 and $50 bills. Fallon Police Department captured two counterfeiters who were passing $20 and $50 bills, which are now entered into evidence, this week.
The Fallon Police Department arrested two men Tuesday in suspected of counterfeit operation, according to FPD Capt. Vern Ulrich.
Christopher Allen Franklin Shoemaker, 31, and Daniel David Winters, 43, were apprehended in the parking lot of the Valley Plaza on Williams Avenue and booked into the Churchill County Jail after a short investigation into the two men allegedly “passing or attempting to pass” counterfeit money at local businesses.
Ulrich said the police were notified of the suspected crimes on Tuesday.
The two were booked on charges of burglary, possession of a forged instrument and conspiracy to commit the offenses.
Showmaker is charged with eight felonies including two burglary counts, while Winters faces four felonies, two of which are burglary charges. Both will appear today in Justice Court for their arraignments.
Churchill County Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said additional charges are expected to be filed against Shoemaker after he passed a suspected counterfeit $50 bill at a coffee shop.
Shoemaker is being held on $60,000 bond, while Winters’ bail was set at $30,000.
According to Ulrich, the two traveled from Reno and Sparks to pass off $20 and $50 bills. Ulrich said Shoemaker and Winters are also suspected of passing false bills in Fallon, Reno, Sparks and possibly Fernley.
He said at least 11 businesses in Fallon, Reno, Sparks and Fernley have reported suspicious bills, and the number is likely to grow as the investigation continues. Ulrich said FPD is working in conjunction with Reno and Sparks police and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Ulrich said the bills contain the same serial number after a number of them were taken into evidence. He added police seized about $70 worth of bills on Tuesday and the total amount continues to grow each day.
The $50 bills’ serial number is AF39623193A, while the $20s are JH04669973B.
Businesses who suspect they may have been victimized are urged to contact their local enforcement agency. Fallon businesses can call FPD at 775-423-2111.
Ulrich urged businesses to visit two websites with tips on counterfeit bills. The are www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml and www.newmoney.gov.
Ulrich said the sites provides tips on security features on currency such as strips, ink, holograms, microprinting and more.