On August 27, 2024, Detectives with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Quality Inn and Suites located at 711 East Commercial Avenue in Monterey. This was related to three individuals who had rented a room at this location and had engaged in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit $20.00 bills.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office case stems from an investigation from the Crossville Police Department and the Cookeville Police Department where these suspects had passed counterfeit $20.00 bills at local businesses in both Cumberland County and Putnam County and possibly other unknown locations.
During the search warrant, Detectives from Putnam County, Cumberland County, and Cookeville Police recovered thousands of dollars of counterfeit $20.00 bills. Detectives also recovered a computer, special paper, and ink along with the recipe guide showing how to manufacture counterfeit money.
In addition, Detectives discovered evidence of identity theft trafficking with dozens of credit card numbers and victim’s information.
The suspects were identified as Khonesavana Maylnn Padgett, Canaan Isah Dallas Owens, and John Tharpe.
Padgett and Owens have been arrested and are currently in custody in Cumberland County. Tharpe has been arrested and is in custody in Putnam County on charges of Criminal Simulation.
The case is currently ongoing with additional charges pending in multiple jurisdictions.
Sheriff Farris stated, “This is a prime example of whenever agencies work together, the outcome can be very positive for our community.”