Counterfeit Money Allegations Lead to Felony Forgery, Theft Arrest

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A suspect was arrested after police said counterfeit money was used or attempted to be used at four local businesses on June 2.

Cody Lee Lamb, 32, was arrested by the Paragould Police Department on four counts of first-degree forgery, Class B felonies, and three counts of theft of property valued at $1,000 or less, Class D felonies.

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Bond was set at $40,000 by Judge Hitt. A no-contact order was also issued, and Lamb will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor if released.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers responded to a local business on June 2 for a report regarding the use of counterfeit money. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and identified Lamb as the potential defendant. Police said Lamb was able to use $160 in counterfeit money to load a prepaid debit card.

Around the same time, a second local business called police and reported a suspect used $60 in counterfeit money to purchase a fuel card. An officer reviewed surveillance footage and identified the suspect as Lamb, according to the affidavit.

Police said a third local business then reported that a suspect unsuccessfully attempted to use counterfeit money to buy parts. The employee reportedly noticed the money was counterfeit and declined the purchase, which led to the suspect fleeing the store. The employee later provided police with reward program information used during the purchase, which police said belonged to Lamb.

Officers later located Lamb hiding in the basement at his last known address, according to the affidavit. He was taken to the police department for an interview.

During the interview, police said Lamb admitted to using counterfeit money at the three businesses. He also allegedly identified a fourth local business he had visited that morning, where police said he used $40 in counterfeit money to purchase merchandise. An officer later confirmed the purchase through surveillance footage, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said Lamb has a previous theft conviction, making the theft allegation a felony.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.