KPD e-News Release: Two Suspects Charged Following Spree of Transactions Using Fake $100 Bills

Kingsport Police Department

David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.govwww.KingsportPDBlog.com

NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: Two Suspects Charged Following Spree of Transactions Using Fake $100 Bills
DATE: October 31, 2019
CASE #: 19-024629

19-024635

19-024651

19-024674

19-024748

19-024794

19-024877

GENERAL NARRATIVE
Between October 19, 2019 and October 22, 2019, multiple victims filed complaints with the Kingsport Police Department regarding interactions with a pair of suspects (one male and one female) using fake $100 bills to complete a variety of transactions. The transactions included food deliveries from area restaurants and a series of exchanges facilitated via the LetGo online buying and selling application.

Upon further investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division, the two suspects were positively identified as Joseph Leslie Shupe and Wendy Shane Laugherty. Warrants were obtained charging them with the following:

Joseph Leslie Shupe

1) Criminal Simulation (7 counts)

2) Theft of Property under $1,000

Wendy Shane Laugherty

1) Criminal Simulation (7 counts)

2) Theft of Property under $1,000

3) Criminal Impersonation

On October 23, 2019, both suspects were arrested by K.P.D. Patrol Officers following a traffic stop.

Citizens are encouraged to use caution when dealing in cash transactions with complete strangers, especially when using the aforementioned LetGo or similar online buying and selling applications such as FaceBook Yard Sale.

Any bills that are marked with red Chinese lettering, or phrases such as “For Training Purposes Only” or “For Motion Picture Use Only” are not genuine United States Currency and have no value.

A counterfeit bill detection pen can be purchased at any office supply store to assist with verification. If there is any doubt whatsoever as to the legitimacy of the bills someone is attempting to pay you with, DO NOT complete the transaction.

The passing of fake money is considered Criminal Simulation, which is in fact a Class E Felony, and it will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

SUSPECT #1 INFORMATION
Name Joseph Leslie Shupe
Age Date of Birth 3/8/1982

37 Years of Age

Gender/Race Male/White
Residency 1014 Gibson Mill Road

Kingsport, TN

Charge(s) 1) Criminal Simulation (7 counts)

2) Theft of Property under $1,000

SUSPECT #2 INFORMATION
Name Wendy Shane Laugherty
Age Date of Birth 10/11/1983

36 Years of Age

Gender/Race Female/White
Residency 2320 Kendleworth Drive

Kingsport, TN

Charge(s) 1) Criminal Simulation (7 counts)

2) Theft of Property under $1,000

3) Criminal Impersonation

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

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