4 charged with forging money in Medina

Press Release, Medina Police Department

MEDINA – During the month of May, the Medina Police Department received several complaints of counterfeit money being passed around at local businesses. As the cases were investigated it was learned the money was being manufactured locally and was largely used to purchase illegal drugs.

This money was also disseminated and intentionally passed to businesses knowing that the money was forged. On May 5, suspects successfully passed counterfeit money to a business on Maple Ridge Road in Medina. On May 8, the same suspects and additional suspects successfully passed counterfeit money again to four other businesses.

Not all transactions were identified immediately as most bills were caught after being deposited at local banks. This caused some of the cases to go unreported as long as two or three weeks later, or not reported at all.

An investigation by the Medina Police Department was able to develop information that identified four individuals who have been arrested. The investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests are pending.

The following have been arrested:

Peter Jones, 21 of Medina, charged with two counts of Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Michael Burch, 18, of Medina, charged with Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Kyle Allport, 18, of Medina, charged with Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony);

Sebastian Bonk, 24, of Medina, charged with two counts of Possessing a Forged Instrument 1st Degree (C Felony) and Criminal Tampering with Physical Evidence (E Felony).

The Medina Police encourage patrons, as well as businesses to work together in an attempt to identify counterfeit bills. Businesses should use counterfeit markers whenever practical and be observant for the obvious indicators such as no ribbon printed in the bill, off center cut edges, and the way the bill feels compared to others.

When receiving multiple bills at one time try to check serial numbers as counterfeit bills will usually have the same number. As a customer, beware that a business may receive the bill and then accidently pass it as change. Identifying forged money as quick as possible greatly increases the chances of solving these cases and catching those responsible.

This investigation was conducted by officer. Brian Marsceill. Assisting was officer Greg Fraser. Anyone having additional information on these cases involving counterfeit money or other cases please contact the Medina Police Department at 585-798-5602.