SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have made an arrest in a series of counterfeit checks passed at local businesses.
On Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Detectives became aware of a series of counterfeited checks that had been passed using a Washoe County account number maintained by the Comptroller’s Office. Because of safeguards in place between the Comptroller and the bank, the county suffered no loss. Unfortunately, several local businesses suffered monetary losses related to the fraud with the suspects purchasing a variety of merchandise ranging from food to high end electronics.
This case included checks written to a variety of local businesses in Sparks and Reno during the preceding 60 days. Because of the rapid notification, Detectives were able to secure video surveillance of the suspect passing the counterfeited checks which led to her identity. Through investigation, Detectives identified Lisa Crispin, a 44 year-old parolee, as the suspect. Crispin was on parole following a conviction for identity theft from another jurisdiction. She had been on parole since her release from Nevada Department of Corrections in February 2011.
Crispin was arrested at an apartment in Sparks following a joint surveillance operation involving the Washoe County Detectives, the All Threats All Crimes (ATAC) Unit, the Sparks Police Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), and the Reno Police Department Street Enforcement Team (SET). Following her arrest, Detectives located additional counterfeit check stock, identifications, and printer accessories at an associated address in Sun Valley.
Crispin was booked on a variety of charges by Sheriff’s Detectives related to the fraud, including 7 counts of Uttering a Forged Document, 7 counts of Burglary, 7 counts of Possession of Forged Documents and 7 counts of Obtaining Property under False Pretenses. Additional charges were brought by the Sparks Police Department as well as the Department of Parole and Probation. She is being held without bail at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility.
Detectives encourage local businesses to scrutinize checks and accept only government issued photo identifications matching the person presenting the check. If any doubt arises, businesses have safeguards in place including verifying the check with the bank and/or the issuer.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Larramendy at 775-328-3334, or anonymously through Secret Witness by calling 775-322-4900.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrates 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 24th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.
