Thousands in Counterfeit Money, Equipment Found; Woman Held

PALESTINE — An East Texas woman is behind bars after a traffic stop led officials to thousands in counterfeit money and equipment. KETK reports it all began last Thursday at approximately 11:00 a.m. Officers January and Nicholson with the Palestine Police Department were conducting surveillance on a house in the area of East Lacy and North Fowler Street when a traffic violation was seen by Officer Nicholson on a red car leaving the residence. January conducted a stop on the vehicle, contacting the male driver, identified as Robbie Dudley, 33, and a female passenger, later identified as Jennifer Bailey, 30. After police reportedly determined Dudley was a habitual violator of driving without a license/driving with a suspended driver’s license, he was placed under arrest.

According to authorities, a subsequent search of the items belonging to Bailey within the vehicle, after consent was given, resulted in the discovery and seizure of numerous items related to counterfeiting. Authorities also say officers also found evidence related to fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, including what appeared to be fraudulently obtained credit cards and other identifying information.

Based on information passed onto other officers, Cpl. Matt Kerr and Patrolman Ricki Baker assisted in the investigation. Using the aid of Region II TDC K-9, they conducted a more thorough search of the vehicle while it was in impound. Police say they uncovered additional evidence of counterfeiting, including approximately 150 bills, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine.
“This investigation, it appears, will clear at a minimum of between 10-12 active cases that the Department is working regarding the disbursement of counterfeit bills in our area,” said Lt. Jeffrey Powell, Patrol Commander for the department.

The Palestine Police Department Friday contacted The U.S. Secret Service, which will be looking at taking over the case. The fraudulent use or possession case will be assigned to Det. Heavner for follow-up. Under Texas State Law, both the forgery case and fraud. use/poss. identifying info are both classified as 3rd degree felonies, punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and/or two-10 years in TDC.

If you have additional information regarding this or any other crime, the Palestine Police Department would encourage you to provide information calling the Criminal Investigation Division at (903)731-8484, or by texting your tip, anonymously, to the Palestine PD, by texting “PALPD + your tip information” to 847411. You may additionally log onto http://www.cityofpalestinetx.com and click the link for TIP411.