A Florida man and woman were arrested after using counterfeit money, they manufactured, at a Dollar General store.
The investigation began last week when the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office took a call from a Dollar General store.
The store clerk said a man and a woman, later identified as 57-year-old James Lacy and 30-year-old Beonca DeHart, tried to pay for items with some counterfeit bills. According to the sheriff’s office, the clerk said Lacy claimed he received the fake money from the Rodeway Inn motel.
The Deputy continued her investigation and responded to the Rodeway Inn, where the clerk advised they did not give any cash to either party but did confirm both were staying at the motel.
Later, the same Deputy, while on routine patrol saw a white pick-up truck driven by James Randall Lacy fail to stop at a stop sign resulting in a traffic stop. The deputy immediately recognized Mr. Lacy as the suspect from the Dollar General that had attempted to pass the counterfeit money earlier.
The Deputy ran Mr. Lacy’s information and quickly discovered he had an active warrant from the US Marshals for failure to appear on a probation violation for passing counterfeit notes. Additional Deputies arrived to assist with the investigation.
Deputy Buxton walked his narcotics certified K9 Saro around the white pick-up truck, which resulted in a positive alert. The occupants were removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted, during the vehicle search a computer printer was found behind the passenger’s side seat and various $20 notes that appeared to be counterfeit.
Based on the items located in the vehicle an additional deputy went to the hotel room, as it was suspected they were printing the money within the room.
The witness who rented the room granted deputies access, where items used to produce counterfeit money were located.
Both Lacy and DeHart were taken into custody and booked into the Sumter County Detention Center without incident.
Additional charges may be pending. James Lacy and Beonca Dehart were arrested and charged as follows:
Lacy – Two counts of passing counterfeited bill and an out-of-county warrant from the US Marshals DeHart – Passing counterfeited bill, possession tools for forgery/counterfeiting, possession of drug equipment.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
The drug dog alerted but no drug charges. Hope these heroes not only are aquitted but sue the fuck out of these pigs