Couple Nabbed In Pasco County Check-Forging Scheme

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL—A New Port Richey couple wanted for passing counterfeit money, stealing IDs and cashing stolen checks are behind bars following their arrest by Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies Friday, Jan. 5.

Pasco deputies had been on the lookout for David Michael Gavin Jr., 34, and Kaitlyn Marie Pergola, 33, of 12135 Crestridge Loop, Trinity, since they received a complaint from a resident who said two checks totaling $900 had been stolen from his mailbox and cashed on Oct. 20. This followed complaints by two more residents of checks stolen from mailboxes in the amounts of $769 and $98.

An investigation led deputies to the Royal Palm Inn, 6523 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. Pergola answered the door and deputies found Gavin hiding in the hotel room’s bathroom. A search of the room turned up an illegal check-printing device, stolen mail, credit cards and ID’s and counterfeit money. The couple admitted to 10 counts of fraudulent and counterfeit activities.

Photo via Pasco County Sheriff's Office