LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA — Seven people were arrested after police uncovered what authorities described as a counterfeit-money operation at a hotel near the Livermore Outlets.
The investigation began at around 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, when outlet security contacted police about two men who had reportedly passed counterfeit money at several stores, according to Livermore Police.
Security personnel followed the men to a nearby hotel and provided their location to responding officers.
Police detained the two men and discovered that both had outstanding warrants and were on Post-Release Community Supervision. Authorities did not specify which of the seven arrested people were the two initially identified by security.
The investigation then led officers to five additional suspects.
Police said searches of hotel rooms uncovered equipment and materials used to manufacture counterfeit currency. Officers also allegedly found methamphetamine that investigators suspected was being possessed for sale.
According to police, the group had been producing counterfeit $50 and $100 bills and planned to spend them at stores in the outlet center over the weekend. Authorities did not disclose the total amount of counterfeit currency recovered or identify the stores where the fake bills were reportedly used.
Police identified the seven people arrested as:
Aaron Cutchon, 44, of Vallejo; Andrea Inocencio, 50, of San Francisco; Efrelyn Inocencio, 42, of Richmond; Barbara Nuenz, 41, described as transient; Pauleen Pangantihon, 46, of Fairfield; Anthony Rodriguez, 40, of Vacaville; and Ferdinand Saguin, 48, of Vallejo.
The seven were arrested on suspicion of various offenses, including counterfeiting, possession of counterfeiting equipment, conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine for sale and outstanding warrants.
Livermore Police credited outlet security personnel with quickly identifying the suspicious activity and helping officers locate those allegedly involved.
The accusations described by police are allegations. The defendants have not been convicted of the suspected offenses.
