Crime & Safety
Did You Get Hit? Kirkland Police Help Feds, Everett PD Nab Counterfeit Suspect
The 21-year-old man allegedly used counterfeit money to purchase iPads and iPhones through Craigslist ads, in Kirkland, Everett and elsewhere in King and Snohomish counties. Authorities are asking any more victims to come forward.
A 21-year-old man was arrested in Lynnwood late last month by Kirkland, Everett and federal authorities on suspicion of passing counterfeit money.
The man has not yet been formally charged, but was arrested March 24 after several law enforcement agencies discovered a connection in their fraud investigations.
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Numerous complaints were made about a man responding to Craigslist ads and purchasing iPhone and iPads with money that turned out to be counterfeit. After the arrest, the suspect took police to his home in Everett, where counterfeit money and equipment for making it was seized.
“Some of the sales were in Kirkland,” said Det. Don Carroll of the Kirkland Police Department, who was working with the U.S. Secret Service at the time of the arrest.
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Twelve cases are believed linked to the suspect in both King and Snohomish counties, according to a press release from the Everett Police Department.
The case was cracked when a victim from Everett identified the man from a photo montage. It is believed the suspect purchased at least $4,000 worth of iPads and iPhones with counterfeit money -- none of the property has been recovered.
Police are asking anyone else who might have been victimized by the suspect to call the Everett police tip line, 425-257-8450.
He is described as Asian, 21, and 5-foot-8 and about 130 pounds.
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