Counterfeiting Ring Thwarted

Parsons Police along with other agencies have been plagued in recent weeks with an influx of counterfeit currency. On July 17, 2019 at 12:33 am, the Parsons Police Department was contacted by an employee at Pump-N-Pete's on 32nd street, about two individuals attempting to pass counterfeit money. A vehicle description was given to officers along with a direction of travel.

                Parsons Police Officer Jeff Essig was dispatched to the call and told to be on the lookout for a maroon SUV heading east on Main street from 32nd. Officer Essig spotted a vehicle matching the description and confirmed the tag information with dispatch and was told it was a match to the information provided. Officer Essig stopped the maroon SUV in the 1700 block of Main.

                The occupants of the vehicle matched the description given by the store clerk and a multijurisdictional bulletin as well. The driver was in possession of one of the counterfeit bills along with possessing a controlled substance and a firearm.

                Jeffery Scott Wilson, 30 of Iola Kansas, Charles Lewis Wilson, 61 of Yates Center, and Macey Christina Heger, 24 of Yates Center, were all arrested on suspicion of counterfeiting and passing counterfeit bills in multiple cities. Pittsburg PD, Iola PD, Independence PD, Coffeyville PD, and Crawford County Sheriff Department have all reported counterfeit money being passed in their jurisdiction. There may be other agencies that have not contacted Parsons Detectives yet.

                A search warrant was applied for and signed by a judge on the vehicle that was seized. In the vehicle more counterfeit bills were discovered along with drug paraphernalia and computer equipment used to create fraudulent bills. The United States Secret Service has been contacted on this case as it is a federal crime to counterfeit and pass US currency. The Parsons Police Department will continue to work closely with all other agencies involved as this case continues to develop.

                Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says" it may come as a surprised to the community but to me this is expected. Good citizens providing good information and leads our officers to a great bust." Spinks continued, "anytime we take guns, drugs, money and equipment used to create fake money we are winning. This is a huge step for the department and great work by Officer Essig for being vigilant enough to spot the suspects and act on it." "This was a great investigation and we will continue to do great things for the community or Parsons," finished Spinks.

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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