Deputies Nab 2 Women on Counterfeiting Charges

Pasco County Sheriff's deputies have arrested two women they say are responsible for a number of recent complaints about counterfeiting in the West Pasco area.

Laura Fossett and Melissa Snipes were brought into custody Friday, April 25. Deputies arrested the pair, who have no known addresses, at the Econo-Lodge in New Port Richey, 6826 U.S. Highway 19.

The sheriff's office has received about 60 complaints of counterfeiting over the past two months from restaurants and convenience stores, said Sgt. Justin Ross. Some of the counterfeit money was used during transactions in parking lots, as well.

While Snipes and Fossett aren't involved in all of the recent complaints, deputies have connected them with a few.

Fossett, 34, admitted on Friday to using a machine in her hotel room at the Econo-Lodge to print money.  

Almost $1,900 in incomplete counterfeit money was also discovered in the room, Ross said. 

Fossett was also accused of paying for Wendy’s with counterfeit money. She also asked her friend to exchange the counterfeit bills to someone for cash. The friend did not know Fosssett’s bills were counterfeit, according to an arrest report.

Snipes was accused of using counterfeit money to pay for purchases at McDonald’s and Walgreens. 

Snipes was charged with two counts of uttering a forged instrument.

Fossett was charged with altering a bank bill, being in possession of at least 10 counterfeit bills and two counts of uttering a forged instrument.

They’re not the only suspects arrested recently in connection to local activities involving fake money.