Mountain Top Media
Louisa Police arrest three for opening bank accounts with fake government checks
LOUISA, Ky. — Louisa Police have arrested three people who they say were trying to open bank accounts with counterfeit government checks and fake IDs.
Officers had been investigating a fraudulent check scam when they were alerted to suspicious activity on Tuesday.
Officer Michael Housinger observed a van park at Little Caesar’s and a woman get out and walk across the street to Citizens Bank, while two men stayed in the van. The woman returned after a half-hour and drove to Dollar General, where the process was repeated at City National Bank.
Housinger went back to Citizens to alert them of a possible fake check scam and learned the woman had opened an account and deposited a government check for more than $12,000. The manager of Citizens called the City National manager about the case and learned the woman was opening an account there with a $32,000 government check, but she was using a different name and ID.
Police Chief Steven Wilburn then arrived at City National to question the woman, who was using Texas ID in the name of Vivian Powell to open an account. The police report says the woman immediately admitted the Texas ID was fake and produced a New Jersey driver’s license identifying her as Tina Dunfee, 48, of Trenton, N.J. A background check revealed Dunfee was wanted for opening a bank account in Lexington with a fake check.
Police then searched the van and found multiple fake government checks and fake IDs.
Dunfee and the men, identified as Cody Hughes, 29, of Colliersville, Tenn., and Kaysaun Madden, 41, of Brooksville, Fla., were all arrested. All three are now charged with possession of a forged instrument and engaging in organized crime.
All three were being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on 10-thousand dollar cash bonds, but Dunfee was released Thursday so she could be taken to the hospital for medical reasons. She will be returned to jail upon her release from the hospital.
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Lawrence County jury recommends 10 years in child exploitation case
LOUISA, Ky. — A Lawrence County jury has recommended a 10-year prison sentence for a Morgan County man found guilty of child exploitation charges.
Caleb Smith, 23, of West Liberty, was found guilty this week of using a minor in a sexual performance and distributing matter portraying a sexual performance of a minor. The jury determined in March of 2021, Smith recorded a minor younger than 16 engaged in sexual activity and either distributed or intended to distribute that recording.
“The protection of our children remains a vital mission of this office,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Runyon said. “We are grateful to the jury for their careful deliberation and for ensuring that individuals who exploit minors are held accountable for their actions.”
“This conviction is a testament to the hard work and seamless collaboration between the Kentucky State Police, the Ashland Police Department, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office,” Asst. Commonwealth’s Attorney David Blankenship added. “We remain committed to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Smith will be formally sentenced April 9 in Lawrence Circuit Court.
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