Three people have been arrested for printing $10 bills and using them at various businesses in Osceola County, deputies said Tuesday.
Deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded July 28 to Taste of China, located at 7832 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, in Kissimmee.
When they arrived, deputies spoke with an employee who indicated two men, later identified as 27-year-old Christopher Emery and 25-year-old Robert Emery, entered the restaurant and purchased a soft drink using a $10 bill. When they left, the employee realized the bill was counterfeit and notified law enforcement.
After further investigation, deputies located an acquaintance who was able to identify the suspects. The acquaintance told deputies that Christopher and Robert are brothers who were residing at the Magic Castle Hotel. The acquaintance witnessed them print off numerous $10 counterfeit bills earlier in the day and use them at the following locations: CVS (5308 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), Outback Steakhouse (7804 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), Taco Bell (7784 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), Japanese Restaurant (7818 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), Subway (7856 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), in addition to the Taste of China.
With the assistance of the Secret Service, deputies verified counterfeit bills were used at Subway and the Japanese Restaurant. Based on that information, Christopher and Robert Emery were brought in for questioning. Neither suspect cooperated with the investigation, but based on the evidence, they were both charged with three counts of uttering a false instrument.
In addition, deputies identified a third suspect, Dorothy Powers, 49, who was also staying with Christopher and Robert Emery and making counterfeit bills.
Deputies located the printer and tools to make counterfeit currency, as well as counterfeit bills in the motel room. Powers was arrested and charged with possession of counterfeit bills and possession of forged instrument making equipment. All three suspects were booked into the Osceola County Jail.