Three people have been arrested after allegedly manufacturing and passing counterfeit money in Cumberland and Putnam counties.
According to a press release from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday (8/27/2024) a search warrant was executed on the suspects’ room at the Quality Inn and Suites in Monterey.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office case stems from an investigation by the Crossville and Cookeville Police Departments where these suspects had reportedly passed counterfeit $20 bills at local businesses in both Cumberland and Putnam counties and possibly other unknown locations.
During the search, Detectives from Putnam, Cumberland and Cookeville recovered thousands of dollars of counterfeit $20 bills. Detectives also recovered a computer, special paper and ink along with the recipe guide showing how to manufacture counterfeit money.
In addition, Detectives discovered evidence of identity theft trafficking with dozens of credit card numbers and victim’s information.
The suspects were identified as Khonesavana Maylnn Padgett, Canaan Isah Dallas Owens, and John Tharpe.
Padgett and Owens are currently in custody in Cumberland County.
Tharpe is in custody in Putnam County on charges of Criminal Simulation.
The case is currently ongoing with additional charges pending in multiple jurisdictions.
The charges and allegations are referenced from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office press release. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.