Three arrested in Cedar Rapids counterfeit cash scheme

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Cedar Rapids police officers arrested three people for passing counterfeit cash the same day they issued a news release warning citizens and businesses about the counterfeiting scheme.

According to a police department news release, officers were called to the Kwik Stop, 1001 First Ave. SW, at 12:15 p.m. Thursday for a suspect trying to pass a fake $100 bill. Police said the clerk noticed the fake bill had the same serial number as a counterfeit bill that had been found earlier.

Shortly after the call, police stopped a suspect vehicle and arrested the occupants, as well as one other associated with the case.

As a result of their investigation, police have charged 23-year-old Johnell Jones with possession of a controlled substance, forgery and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony. Also charged are 22-year-old Ranisha Wright and 20-year-old Caitlin Coleman. Both Coleman and Wright face two counts of forgery, while Wright faces an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Since Jan. 4, there have been more than 20 cases of counterfeit cash being passed in the city, according to the police department.