A Puyallup man and woman suspected of passing fake $100 bills across multiple states were arrested in Moses Lake Monday night.
Moses Lake Police posted photos of the two suspects on Monday after a man used two fake $100 bills at a Safeway, and a short time later a woman used a fake $100 bill at a Rite Aid. The suspects were later identified as 32-year-old Artem V. Kirichenko and Emily A. Coates.
"One of our pro-active new guys contacted businesses yesterday with information on the suspects," Moses Lake Police later posted on Facebook in an update. "Lo and behold, the suspects showed up at Wal-Mart around 9:30 pm, trying to pass fake bills. Officers quickly arrived on scene and detained Kirichenko inside the store. Other officers located Coates outside the store, as well as their rental vehicle. Coates was arrested and the vehicle was impounded."
A warrant was served on the car and officers found about four ounces of meth, an ounce of heroin and around $2000 in fake bills. Officers also found just under $10,000 in legitimate money and an illegally-possessed pistol.
In addition, officers found computer equipment, a printer, a credit card embosser, and dozens of fake credit cards.
"Officers located receipts and other evidence that Kirichenko and Coates have crossed the state leaving counterfeit bills in their wake," MLPD said. "The Secret Service (who has federal jurisdiction over counterfeit cases) is involved in the case, and federal charges are likely."
Kirichenko is facing state charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of meth and heroin with intent to deliver, as well as counterfeit and theft charges.
Coates is looking at counterfeit and theft charges, as well as drug charges.
(story: KHQ.com; photo: Moses Lake Police Department)