BREMERTON – Bremerton Police detectives arrested a 27-year-old Kitsap County man after executing a search warrant at 11 a.m. Oct. 8 at a Bremerton-area motel. Kyle Patrick M. Vickery was jailed following an extensive investigation regarding 61 counterfeit bill cases in the city, as well as counterfeit bills being passed from as far north as Suquamish and as far south as Lakewood.
Inside the rented motel room, detectives located a copy machine, “linen” type resume paper, and examples of counterfeit $20 bills. Several electronic devices and documents were also seized. Narcotics were also found in the room. Detectives believe more than $2,000 has been circulated among multiple Bremerton businesses and residents.
The suspect and other persons believed to have been involved would make the bills on the copier, iron and otherwise attempt to “wear” the bills. The funny money was then used to purchase laptops and other electronic items via Craigslist. The suspect then re-listed the electronics on Craigslist in exchange for authentic bills.
“We are pleased to make an arrest in this case, but people need to be aware that there may be bills still out there,” said Det. Beau Ayers.
Ayers said that the “pens” some businesses use to check money are helpful, but said an even better way to ensure a bill is legal is to use a small black light, which can be purchased at various retailers. The holograms built into legal bills will be easily and quickly visible, and are extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
“We encourage businesses to look into these detectors, they are far more advanced in detecting counterfeit bills,” Ayers said.
The Bremerton Police Department advised that anyone conducting business through web sites like Craigslist should be attentive to locations the “buyer” suggests and to closely examine money prior to buying anything. Contact BPD to report any illegal transactions.
Vickery was jailed in the Kitsap County jail on $50,000 bail and additional charges may follow.
Detectives believe there are other persons involved in this ring, and the investigation will continue.
