AUBURN, Maine — Three people traveling from New York to Maine were arrested in Auburn on Friday, for allegedly using counterfeit money at Home Depot stores along the way.
Shaniya Simmons, Sadie Hiers, and Kshawn Brooks are each charged with aggravated forgery.
According to Auburn Police, upon entering Maine the group tried to use counterfeit money at the Home Depot in Augusta first. They succeeded in buying $3,500 of merchandise there.
Then the group continued on to Auburn, where both Hiers and Brooks attempted transactions of over $1,000. Both transactions were denied. When the transactions were denied, both men fled on foot. Simmons stayed to complete her transaction (also over $1,000), giving police enough time to arrive at the scene and arrest her.
After a short search of the area, Hiers and Brooks were arrested as well.
"Although we have made excellent progress in reducing our shoplifting problem in Auburn, we do continue to see significant retail crime in our community," Auburn Deputy Police Chief Tim Cougle said. "From low-level shoplifting to more complex and sophisticated retail enterprises working in multiple states and communities throughout Maine."
The three are now facing $25,000 cash bail. Because this case involves a significant amount of U.S. currency, the United States Secret Service has been notified and will now review the case for possible federal charges.