The Foley Police Department apprehended two individuals, identified as Michael Anthony Washington (41) and Derick Melendez Ned (47) from Tampa, Florida, for their involvement in a counterfeit currency scheme targeting stores within the Tanger Mall.

On Thursday, February 8th, officers received reports of suspicious activity involving the use of counterfeit bills. An investigation led to the identification of Washington and Ned, who reportedly used fake $100 bills to purchase low-value items at multiple stores. Their modus operandi involved receiving legitimate change as cash back, essentially laundering the counterfeit bills.

Upon apprehension, authorities found an additional 40 counterfeit $100 bills on the suspects, along with merchandise suspected to have been obtained from other stores outside of Foley.

Both Washington and Ned now face serious charges:

• One count each of Organized Retail Theft (felony)
• Three counts each of Possession of a Forged Instrument (felony)
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Washington also received an additional misdemeanor charge for Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges against the suspects are possible.

The Foley Police Department urges any business owners who suspect they may have been victims of this counterfeiting scheme to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately.