GCPD Counterfeit Currency Investigation Leads to Two Arrests, Seizure of Narcotics and Fraud Equipment
Glynn County Police have made two arrests following an investigation into a counterfeit currency and fraud scheme that targeted residents conducting online marketplace transactions.
On October 9 Officer Sullivan and Officer Odom responded to a report of fraud in the Gallery Way neighborhood. A citizen had arranged a sale through Facebook Marketplace and received counterfeit currency in exchange for legitimate merchandise. When the victim recognized the money was fake and attempted to stop the transaction, the suspect fled the scene. The victim provided officers with a description of a female suspect and a Toyota SUV. Officers canvassed the area, collected surveillance footage, and identified the vehicle as a Toyota Highlander.
On October 11 Officer Sullivan responded to a second fraud report at a hotel on Palisade Drive involving counterfeit bills. The victim in this incident reported a similar scenario—meeting subjects for a Facebook Marketplace sale and receiving counterfeit currency—but had captured video of the encounter on their phone.
At the scene Officer Sullivan located a Toyota Highlander matching the vehicle from the previous day’s incident. With the assistance of the victim and hotel staff, officers identified the room where the suspects were staying and arrested Phillip Pyles, 26, on an active warrant, and Casaundra Moore, 34, for theft by deception.
After obtaining a search warrant for the room, officers recovered:
- A printer with counterfeit money sheets
- Additional counterfeit bills
- 27.72 grams of cocaine
- 44.9 grams of methamphetamine
- 13 prescription pills
- Additional drug-related objects
- Multiple cellular phones
Additional charges have been filed against both Pyles and Moore for their involvement in the scheme and the possession of narcotics.
The Glynn County Police Department encourages residents engaging in online transactions to exercise caution, meet in well-lit public locations, and verify the authenticity of currency before completing a sale.
This investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Glynn County Police Department Non-Emergency line at (912) 554-3645 or anonymously through Silent Witness at (912) 264-1333.
