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Last updated on Wednesday, September 16, 2015
(BLOOMINGTON) - Three members of an Indianapolis family were arrested after admitting to printing and passing fake $20 bills in order to collect real currency.
According to Bloomington Police Capt. Joe Qualters, the family told police they spent the counterfeit bills at many restaurants and stores in the Bloomington, Martinsville and Indianapolis area.
"They spent, or attempted to spend, counterfeit bills at various fast food restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores and gas stations," Qualters added.
Police arrested 35-year-old Simon Allen, 41-year-old Suzanne Allen and 18-year-old Diego Diaz early Sunday morning. Each are facing a preliminary charges of counterfeiting.
Police began their investigation after they received a report of a counterfeit being passed at Steak 'N Shake on South Liberty Drive in Bloomington late Saturday night. The employee became suspicious when a woman and young man paid for junior milkshakes in two transactions with each using a $20 bill. A few minutes after that transaction, another man and the same woman attempted to pay for a third milkshake with a $20 bill. That is when the employee realized the money was fake and asked them to leave. The clerk then contacted police and gave a description of the three individuals and their vehicle.
Police located the vehicle and stopped it. The three were taken to the Bloomington Police Department for questioning. Their vehicle was towed. Police then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.
Qualters say police found counterfeit money and receipts for several small purchases in the car. They also found uncut sheets of counterfeit money in the trunk.
Bloomington investigators then contacted Indianapolis Metro police and obtained a warrant for a motel room at Shadeland Inn where the family was staying. There, police found printing materials.
Police also believe the family used the fake money at a McDonald's, a gas station, a Starbucks and a Long John Silver's in Martinsville.
"The total number of businesses receiving counterfeit bills from the suspects is unknown at this time and remains under investigation," Qualters says. "The investigation continues with information to be provided to the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies where the counterfeit bills may have been passed."
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