Officers Honored For Investigation That Seized Over $10K In Counterfeit U.S. Currency: Greenwich PD

GREENWICH, CT — Two Greenwich police officers, Thomas Koppelmann and Anthony DeLuca, have been honored with Officer of the Month honors for their work in a complex case involving counterfeit money and "dangerous suspects," according to an announcement from the Greenwich Police Department.

The GPD said Koppelmann and DeLuca "demonstrated exceptional investigative skill and teamwork" in the case.

On Aug. 19, the officers were alerted by a local business that a male subject had attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill, police said.

"Through swift investigation, they discovered that the same individual had successfully passed counterfeit currency at another nearby business. As they attempted to stop the suspect, who had entered a vehicle as a passenger, the vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed," police added.

An investigation found the suspects "were likely involved in similar crimes across neighboring jurisdictions," police said, noting Koppelmann and DeLuca worked diligently to identify both individuals and successfully obtain arrest warrants.

"Due to the suspects’ known criminal histories, a Connecticut State Police Task Force was assigned to assist with surveillance and apprehension," police said.

"During the arrest attempt, the suspects rammed multiple police vehicles in an effort to escape. One suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, which he appeared to be reaching for during the arrest," police added. "Additionally, one of the arrestees was wearing an ankle monitor, and data from the device placed him in Greenwich at the time of the initial offense."

The investigation led to the seizure of over $10,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency, police said.

"Officers Koppelmann and DeLuca’s diligence, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and their commitment to public safety were instrumental in bringing these suspects to justice," the department said. "Their efforts not only solved multiple crimes but also made communities across the state safer. The Greenwich Police Department commends Officers Koppelmann and DeLuca for their outstanding work and dedication."

Patch has reached out to the Greenwich Police Department for more information on the arrestees/charges