Westport, CT – Westport police arrested five individuals from New York City on Monday after they allegedly attempted to use counterfeit bills at several local businesses. The arrests included three adults and two minors, all facing multiple forgery-related charges.
Police Receive Multiple Calls About Counterfeit Bills
According to the Westport Police Department, the investigation began around 4:30 p.m. when officers started receiving multiple reports from store owners and employees about people trying to use fake money at various retail locations in town.
Witnesses gave police a detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle, which allowed officers to locate them quickly.
One suspect was found inside Choice Pet on Post Road East, while the remaining individuals were discovered inside the suspect vehicle parked nearby.
Suspects Targeted Multiple Businesses
Investigators determined that the group had visited several retail stores in Westport, allegedly passing multiple counterfeit bills before being apprehended.
Police say the suspects had been working together to circulate the fake money, with each individual attempting purchases at different businesses to avoid suspicion.
Charges Against Adult Suspects
The three adults arrested were identified as:
- Jaquane Murray, 31, of New York, NY – Charged with four counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery, 11 counts of first-degree forgery, and one count of risk of injury to a minor. Murray posted a $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on August 15.
- Akeelah Garrett, 18, of Bronx, NY – Charged with three counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and one count of first-degree forgery. Garrett was unable to post her $20,000 bond and was taken to Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday for arraignment.
- Rosbert Cabrera, 18, of Bronx, NY – Charged with two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and one count of first-degree forgery. Cabrera posted a $20,000 bond and is also scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on August 15.
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Charges Against Juvenile Suspects
According to fox61, Two minors from New York were also arrested:
- 15-year-old male from Bronx, NY – Charged with two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and four counts of first-degree forgery. He was issued a juvenile summons and released to his guardian.
- 17-year-old male from New York, NY – Charged with two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and two counts of first-degree forgery. He was also issued a juvenile summons and released to his guardian.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not disclosed how much counterfeit money was recovered or whether additional suspects may be involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are working to determine if the group is connected to other counterfeit operations in Connecticut or New York.
Westport police are urging local businesses to be vigilant and check for suspicious bills, especially larger denominations.
What do you think about this case? Have counterfeit crimes been on the rise in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow more local crime updates at newyorkdailygazette.com.
