Counterfeit $10 Leads to Crime Ring of Seven Busted in Beaverton

Someone attempting to pass a counterfeit $10 bill in Beaverton led police to bust what they describe as a seven person crime ring. The people - all from Los Angeles - are charged with a variety of crimes including aggravated theft and identity theft.

It started on Friday when an officer was called to a gas station on Southwest Canyon Road where a fake $10 bill had been passed. The officer tracked a suspicious vehicle at the nearby Motel 6 at 12255 Southwest Canyon Road.

"Further investigation showed that this was much more than simple counterfeit case," said Beaverton Police Department Spokesman Mike Rowe.

Detectives were brought in to assist in the investigation and, according to Rowe, "it was discovered that there seven subjects involved in a variety of crimes."

Rowe said that the seven people were using stolen bank account information make fake identification so they could go to banks and withdraw as much money as possible.

Officers then made a traffic stop on a vehicle connected to the group.

Rowe said that while searching the vehicle, officers found victim account profiles, counterfeit credit cards, counterfeit identifications, and some stolen property.

One of the people told officers that he had drugs in the car.

Officers called Khaz, a K9 officer in the department who searched the vehicle.

The dog didn't find any drugs, but did locate $27,000 in cash that had been hidden inside a compartment in the passenger area of the vehicle.

"This event provides yet another example of how important it is to protect your financial information and to constantly monitor all of your accounts," Rowe said.

The seven subjects - all lodged at the Washington County Jail - face a variety of felony theft and identity theft charges.

They are:

• Jenny Crocco, 44 from Los Angeles.
• Princess Anthony, 28 from Los Angeles.
• Natalya Imuere, 25 from Los Angeles.
• Eric Knight, 25 from Los Angeles.
• Kashmerae Oliver, 29 from Los Angeles.
• Anthony Pizella, 49 from Los Angeles.
• Antonio Garza, 53 from Los Angeles.

Photos courtesy Beaverton Police Department