IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A husband and wife are facing charges with passing counterfeit currency at several businesses in Iredell County.
Detectives searched the home of Michael Connor Lamp, 31, and Debra Lynn Lamp, 32, on Serenity Lane Wednesday.
The Iredell County Sheriff's Office noticed reports of counterfeit currency being passed from various businesses starting in early June. Detectives said the businesses could only report when the counterfeit bills were received, forcing detectives to sift through hours of surveillance video.
A new report finally led detectives to the Lamps.
When they searched the house, detectives found items used to manufacture counterfeit bills, including a unique type of paper, printing devices, ink and tools to cut paper.
They also found unfinished bills not yet cut to the proper size.
In addition to the counterfeiting tools, authorities said opium-based narcotics, marijuana and paraphernalia items were found.
The Lamps were arrested at the scene. Authorities believe the suspects have victimized hundreds of businesses and passed possibly thousands of counterfeit dollars.
All of the evidence was seized and is being compared in the hopes of linking it to cases in surrounding counties as well as open cases in Iredell, detectives said.
The U.S. Secret Service is assisting in the investigation. Both Michael Lamp and Debra Lamp were placed in the Iredell County Detention in lieu of a $25,000 bond each.
Both suspects have prior felony convictions.
WSOC
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