Counterfeiting Crew Targets Five Stores in Lawrence County and North Alabama

Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a suspected counterfeiting crew struck five convenience stores across southern Lawrence County and northern Alabama within the span of an hour, according to WKRN News 2. Saint Joseph Police Chief Adam Brewer said the crime spree began on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The suspects reportedly made their first stop in Leoma while traveling south along Highway 43 but left without making a transaction after noticing several people around the register. At about 7:52 p.m., the group hit a convenience store in Loretto, then another in the city about 12 minutes later. Investigators said the suspects made it to Saint Joseph around 8:14 p.m. before crossing into Alabama, where they targeted stores in Green Hill and Florence. According to Brewer, the suspects arrived at one location with several $100 bills, asking the clerk to load hundreds of dollars onto mobile apps before requesting to exchange more cash for smaller bills. In each case, the counterfeiters reportedly made off with hundreds of dollars. The bills appeared genuine because they were chemically washed $10 bills reprinted to look like $100s. While the bills passed the marker test and contained a security strip, closer inspection revealed the watermark image of Alexander Hamilton instead of Benjamin Franklin. All of the counterfeit notes reportedly had matching serial numbers, typically two or three repeated numbers across each store. Brewer noted that clerks often do not check serial numbers during busy transactions. Surveillance photos show the suspects traveling in what appears to be a Nissan Rogue, accompanied by two women believed to be involved in the operation. Authorities said there have been no reports of the group targeting stores in Lawrenceburg or Maury County, suggesting they are focusing on smaller, rural businesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Saint Joseph Police Department.