FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 6, 2013
Case: 13-2506
Contact: Sgt. Carson Thomas 408.359-7402
Funny Money Maker Buys Trip To County Jail
On November 5, 2013, Morgan Hill Police contacted a wanted felon staying at the Morgan Hill Inn located at 16250 Monterey Rd. The felon, Daniel James Richards, 32, of Morgan Hill was wanted for possession of a controlled substance and for furnishing or selling marijuana to a minor. The felony warrant was issued out of the Orange County Superior Court.
Officers contacted the occupants of the room and determined that Richards was not present. Officers observed numerous pieces of what appeared to be U.S. currency on the floor, tables, counters and bed. It was determined that the currency was counterfeit and most of the bills maintained the same serial number.
MHPD Officers in the parking lot of the motel, observed a taxi cab pull up. Richards and a female acquaintance were contacted as they exited the taxi cab. Richards was immediately arrested on his outstanding felony warrant from Orange County. During a search of his person officers located approximately $700.00 in counterfeit currency and methamphetamine.
During a search of Richard’s motel room, approximately $300.00 in additional counterfeit currency was located. Officers also located a printer and numerous materials associated to the manufacturing of counterfeit currency.
MHPD has seen a spike in reports for counterfeit currency being passed within the City over the past several months. Preliminary investigation suggests that Richards may be connected to a majority of these cases.
The Morgan Hill Police Department encourages local merchants to check currency closely and if you believe that you may have been victimized please call MHPD Detective Scott Martin at 408-779-2101.
