Two Arrested For Counterfeit Currency

The Mesquite Police Department arrested two people last week for possession of counterfeit currency as well as a number of other illegal drugs charges.

On Saturday morning July 31, a Mesquite police detective conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic violations. While speaking with the driver and front passenger, the detective observed the female passenger attempt to conceal something. There were also other indications of possible further criminal activity.

A drug sniffing K9, who is highly trained and certified to seek the scent of illegal drugs, was deployed. The K9 was alerted to the scent of illegal drugs inside the vehicle.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, detectives recovered methamphetamine, several items of drug paraphernalia, and 58 counterfeit $100 bills.

David Garcia, 32, of Downey, CA, was arrested and charged with felony possession of counterfeit bills, felony possession of methamphetamine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ines Moro-Martinez, 37, of Downey, CA, was arrested and charged with felony possession of counterfeit bills, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Due to the felony charges, both were transported and booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Counterfeiters use their fake currency to deprive people and our businesses of money and property,” said MPD Chief MaQuade Chesley. “It has no place in our wonderful city, and I commend the detectives for stopping these suspects before they could steal from hard-working Mesquite residents.”