Las Cruces Police arrested a woman suspected of passing counterfeit money at the Mesilla Valley Mall.
Kristina Dasing, 38, of 1020 S. Triviz Dr., is charged with three counts of forgery. All three counts are fourth-degree felonies.
Detectives learned that Dasing was at the Sears store inside the Mesilla Valley Mall on May 25 and tried to purchase a $25 gift card using three $10 bills that were determined to be counterfeit. Dasing left Sears before a store manager could be informed or police called.
Two days later, however, Dasing was once again seen inside the mall trying to pass counterfeit money at the Spencer’s store.
Detectives learned that Dasing obtained the fake bills from a friend, 35-year-old Andrew Barnett, who was arrested May 24 and charged with 16 counts of forgery – eight for making or altering counterfeit cash and eight for issuing or transferring the fake money.
Detectives interviewed Barnett who indicated that he made the counterfeit bills in his bedroom at the home he shares with his mother. Detectives believe Barnett was making counterfeit currency in all denominations.
Dasing was arrested June 7 and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. She was released on bond the following day.
Police encourage cashiers and others who accept paper currency to carefully inspect incoming the cash and utilize a counterfeit money detector pen to help identify phony notes.
Information from Las Cruces Police