A counterfeiting bust in Lodi on Tuesday marks the end of a long trail of deception that affected a number of businesses in Amador County. Clinton Irons, the alleged ring leader of a 6-person counterfeiting ring, was arrested at a Lowe’s in Lodi where a video allegedly shows him passing a fake 100 dollar bill. Irons is one of many suspects arrested so far by detectives. The scandal hit home in Amador County when a suspicious female in her mid-30’s dropped her car off for window repair at Glass Doctor in Martell. “She was frustrated. She claimed her door glass was broken at the casino and she needed it fixed now,” said owner Mark Borchin.
She insisted on paying cash and handed over a number of one hundred dollar bills. Upon closer inspection under a special black light, Glass Doctor employees realized that the bills were fakes. Borchin called the Sheriff immediately. The Sherriff called the woman and confronted her about the bills on the phone, at which time she fled the area and did not return to pick up her car. Police reports confirm that the counterfeit bills were actually five dollar bills that had been bleached and reprinted with a standard consumer printer. The Jackson Rancheria casino, Wal-Mart and other businesses throughout the county were also reportedly hit by the counterfeiters. “My concern is making the community aware that there is still a lot of bad money floating around out there,” Borchin said. According to Lodi police, one suspect is still being sought in connection with the alleged ring.
A counterfeiting bust in Lodi on Tuesday marks the end of a long trail of deception that affected a number of businesses in Amador County. Clinton Irons, the alleged ring leader of a 6-person counterfeiting ring, was arrested at a Lowe’s in Lodi where a video allegedly shows him passing a fake 100 dollar bill. Irons is one of many suspects arrested so far by detectives. The scandal hit home in Amador County when a suspicious female in her mid-30’s dropped her car off for window repair at Glass Doctor in Martell. “She was frustrated. She claimed her door glass was broken at the casino and she needed it fixed now,” said owner Mark Borchin. 
She insisted on paying cash and handed over a number of one hundred dollar bills. Upon closer inspection under a special black light, Glass Doctor employees realized that the bills were fakes. Borchin called the Sheriff immediately. The Sherriff called the woman and confronted her about the bills on the phone, at which time she fled the area and did not return to pick up her car. Police reports confirm that the counterfeit bills were actually five dollar bills that had been bleached and reprinted with a standard consumer printer. The Jackson Rancheria casino, Wal-Mart and other businesses throughout the county were also reportedly hit by the counterfeiters. “My concern is making the community aware that there is still a lot of bad money floating around out there,” Borchin said. According to Lodi police, one suspect is still being sought in connection with the alleged ring.
