Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit
Patrol Operations Bureau

Jose Carlos Rodriguez (Arrested-Source)
DOB: 12/11/1990
Address: 950 San Christopher Drive, Dunedin
Arrested for Uttering Forged Bills

Briana S. Wilson (Arrested)
DOB: 03/07/1994
Address: 1222 Ranchwood Drive East, Dunedin
Arrested for Uttering Forged Bills

Previous Arrests Connected to Case:

Tyler Howell 
DOB: 06/12/1997
Address: 1824 San Mateo, Dunedin
Arrested for Uttering Forged Bills

Gina V. Norman (AKA: Gina Fromen)
DOB: 10/16/1964
Address: 615 Frederica Lane, Dunedin
Arrested for Uttering Forged Bills

Joseph Samson
DOB: 06/23/1982
Address: 1624 St. Catherine Drive West, Dunedin
Arrested for Uttering Forged Bills

What:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested two suspects for uttering forged bills. Through a five-month long investigation, detectives were able to identify one of the suspects as being the source and supplier of the counterfeit cash to the other suspect; as well as to three other previously arrested suspects.

When:
The suspects were arrested on January 28, 2015.

The investigation began in August 2014.

Where:
The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
On August 6, 2014, deputies arrested 17-year-old Tyler Howell for uttering forged bills. Several days later, on August 11, 2014, 50-year-old Gina V. Norman (Fromen), was also arrested for uttering forged bills.

On December 18, 2014 deputies arrested Joseph Samson for the same charge. Deputies say the three subjects were arrested independently of each other after each passed counterfeit cash at area businesses.

Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit were made aware of the various cases in which counterfeit bills were being uttered at local businesses and began to investigate.

On January 27, 2015, detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit received information that 20-year-old Briana Wilson had passed counterfeit currency at the Oasis Mini-Mart located at 1401 Pinehurst Drive in Dunedin. Briana was subsequently arrested for uttering forged bills and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives determined that the bills passed by the four arrested suspects had been obtained from a single source. The source was identified as 24-year-old Jose Carlos Rodriguez.  Detectives developed probable cause and in the late evening hours of January 27, 2014 arrested Rodriguez for uttering forged bills at his residence in Dunedin.

Subsequently, detectives obtained a search warrant for Rodriguez’ home located at 950 San Christopher Drive in Dunedin. The search warrant was executed in the late afternoon hours of January 28^th, 2015. During the search, detectives located and took possession of various bills (currency), a laptop computer and cocaine and marijuana.

Further examination will be conducted on the items taken from the home.

Detectives say additional charges may be forthcoming on Rodriguez.

The investigation continues.