Four Atlanta area individuals are facing criminal charges in relation to a suspected counterfeiting ring. Law enforcement authorities allege that three of the individuals had attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill at a Best Buy Store.

A fourth arrest was made in Atlanta several days later by the U.S. Secret Service. The fourth suspect was also charged with forgery, apparently related to the same attempt to pass the $100 bill. As you may know, the U.S. Secret Service was first created to combat counterfeiting. It still performs this task in addition to protecting the President and other important officials.

When the three individuals were arrested for allegedly attempting to pass a counterfeit $100 bill, the police subsequently conducted a search of the suspects’ car. The police assert that this search uncovered a stun gun, a handgun, more counterfeit money, marijuana, and a small amount of cocaine.

Police believe that similar criminal activity has been ongoing since this spring. The investigation by local and federal authorities is focusing on the activities of these four individuals and others whom they believe may have been involved in attempting to pass counterfeit bills at other big name stores in the Atlanta metro area. The investigation is described as ongoing and police expect to make additional arrests.

In situations in which law enforcement authorities suspect multiple individuals may have been involved in a broad criminal enterprise, it may be difficult to determine the depth of involvement of any specific individual. It is possible that an individual who is only tangentially involved may be lumped in with the suspected ringleaders of the alleged criminal conspiracy.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution “Canton cops say counterfeit ring was active throughout metro Atlanta,” David Ibata, Oct. 25, 2011