Five arrested in suspected large-scale counterfeiting, identity theft network

STAFF REPORT :::

A several months-long investigation conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in multiple arrests associated with numerous incidents allegedly involving counterfeit checks.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, Investigator Ray Hightower obtained information from a financial institution indicating several counterfeit checks had been cashed in Spalding County.

Over the course of the investigation, seven individuals were identified as alleged participants in cashing the counterfeit checks.

Chimaria Dennis was identified by investigators as the person supplying the counterfeit checks. Dennis is currently on probation for forgery and identity fraud.

Hightower, in partnership with investigators from the Georgia Department of Community Services (DCS) coordinated a search of Dennis’ Quincy Avenue residence.

Officials say that search resulted in the discovery of what is described as a large quantity of documents, credit cards, IDs and other items that lead investigators to suspect a potential large network involving identity theft and counterfeiting was operating in the Spalding County area.

Charged in connection to this case were:

Chimeria Dennis, who is charged with 17 counts of counterfeiting. She is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.

Kristian Williams, who is charged with four counts of counterfeiting. She was released on a $10,000 bond.

Bobby Walton, who is charged with one count of counterfeiting and is being held without bond.

Tatiana Greene, who is charged with two counts of counterfeiting and was released on a $12,700 bond.

Green also faces an additional charge of counterfeiting brought by Investigator Todd Howard, of the Griffin Police Department.

Quinta Davis, who is charged with one count of counterfeiting. She was released on a $6,000 bond.

Joi Loney and Demetrius Coggins were also charged in this case.

Loney is facing seven counts of counterfeiting and Coggins has been charged with one count of counterfeiting. They are currently at large.

“We have received many complaints regarding counterfeit checks being passed in Spalding County. We will continue to work with DCS agents in charging those responsible,” said Sheriff Darrell Dix. “Due to the extensive amount of evidence, we have contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Department of Revenue.”

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Investigator Hightower at 770.467.4282 or rhightower@spaldingcounty.com