Arroyo Grande police arrested two people they believe to be involved in a counterfeiting operation.
Police say on December 5, someone tried to pass counterfeit $100 bills at Walmart. Based on surveillance video, they say investigators were able to identify the suspect as Michael Anthony Hooper, 34.
Hooper was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant on December 19, and officers searched his home.
Police say they found additional counterfeit money, money that was in the process of being washed and printed, and equipment and supplies used to process and create counterfeit currency.
Hooper was booked into the county jail on suspicion of possessing forged/counterfeit currency, making/passing counterfeit currency, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Police say they identified an additional suspect in the case as Claudia Patricia Ritter, 39. She was arrested on suspicion of possessing forged/counterfeit currency and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The Arroyo Grande Police Department is reportedly working with the United States Secret Service on this investigation.
