3 arrested after deputies find ‘thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit money at Putnam County hotel

PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Detectives in Putnam County have arrested three people who are accused of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit bills.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the trio were arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 27, after detectives executed a search warrant at a room in the Quality Inn and Suites in the 700 block of East Commercial Avenue in Monterey.

The arrests reportedly stems from an investigation involving the Crossville and Cookeville Police Departments. Authorities said the three suspects passed out counterfeit $20 bills at local businesses in Cumberland County, Putnam County and possibly other locations.

During the search, law enforcement recovered “thousands of dollars of counterfeit $20 bills,” officials said. In addition to the counterfeit money, officials said a computer, special paper, ink and a guide showing how to manufacture counterfeit money was also found.

Further investigation allegedly uncovered evidence of identity theft trafficking with dozens of credit card numbers and victim’s information.

Deputies identified the suspects as Khonesavana Maylnn Padgett, Canaan Isah Dallas Owens and John Tharpe.

According to the sheriff’s office, Padgett and Owens both remain jailed in Cumberland County. Meanwhile, Tharpe remains jailed in Putnam County on criminal simulation charges.

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“This is a prime example of whenever agencies work together, the outcome can be very positive for our community,” said Sheriff Farris.

Officials said additional charges against the suspects are pending in multiple jurisdictions.

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