Three Arrested in Multi-State Counterfeit Cash Scam

3:48 PM EST |March 5, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|Crime, News Articles, People

By: Wise News Network Staff

Rutherford County, NC (WNN)- Authorities said that three individuals from Chicago have been arrested in connection with a multi-state counterfeit cash scam that targeted Dollar General stores, including locations in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

Fake $50 Bills Used

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple Dollar General locations on February 26th after reports of suspects using counterfeit $50 bills. Deputies determined the suspects had obtained approximately $1,500 in cash from the stores.

Surveillance Technology Aids Investigation

The following day, investigators obtained video surveillance from the affected stores and alerted nearby law enforcement agencies. Further investigation led to the identification of a potential suspect vehicle. The sheriff’s office used Flock technology, a license plate reader system from the Forest City Police Department and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, to gather information.

The technology identified the suspect vehicle as a 2012 Toyota Camry with an Illinois license plate. Detectives then discovered the suspects had been conducting the same scam in multiple states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia, in addition to North Carolina.

Suspects Identified and Charged

Authorities eventually identified the suspects as Nestor Julio Godoy Rivero, 25, Yubeinya Abril Narcise Quintana, 22, and Esteban Marcelo Mijares, 24, all of Chicago, Illinois.

Pictured left to right: Nestor Julio Godoy Rivero, Yubeinya Abril Narcise Quintana, and Esteban Marcelo Mijares. Photos from Dubois County Sherrifs Office

The suspects were found and arrested in Dubois County, Indiana, on March 1. All three suspects were charged with the following: Possession of 5 or more Counterfeit Instruments (x6), obtain property by false pretense, and Felony conspiracy (x1)

Current Status and Ongoing Investigation

According to the sheriff’s office, all three are currently incarcerated in Indiana. The investigation remains ongoing.

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