Suspected counterfeiters arrested after targeting elderly clerks

An off-duty police detective running errands in Lafayette, Ind., helped authorities nab two people suspected of passing counterfeit $10 and $20 bills at Menards, Home Depot, Walmart and other stores, according to an article in the Journal and Courier. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, West Lafayette police detective Jon Eager was shopping at Menards on June 15 when an assistant manager told him someone had used counterfeit $20 bills. Eager then watched surveillance footage of the female suspect.

Apparently, Eager and the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Vashaun Hannah, both went to Walmart on their next stop. The police detective recognized Hannah at the customer service counter and called Lafayette Police as she left the store with a male accomplice.

Hannah and Scotty Gatlin, 40, were stopped by police a short time later. Tools and women’s clothing were found in their car. The pair is suspected of passing $440 in counterfeit money at Menards, $280 at Home Depot, $320 at Target, $160 at PetSmart and $50 at Walmart. They reportedly targeted older cashiers with the counterfeit bills.

Hannah and Gatlin were charged Wednesday in Tippecanoe Superior Court 1 with conspiracy to commit forgery, forgery and theft.