Local officers recognized for work in counterfeit cash sting

It seemed more like a tale from the TV show “I Spy” rather than a routine day at work, even for someone from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
This month’s Deputy of the Month Award went to three local law enforcement professionals that exposed a much-sought after counterfeit criminal.
Lt. Brian Kyle nominated the three officers who got the award – Sgt. Charles Taggart, Cpl. Kevin Calderone and Cpl. Keith Dunn. The incident concerned a “counterfeit U.S. cash arrest” and here’s what Kyle said in his nomination:
“On Jan. 30, 2009, a male entered Trucks Depot on North Cleveland Avenue, during which time he put a down payment in cash. Later it was learned through the bank that six of the $100 bills were counterfeit.
“On Jan. 31, 2009, the owner made contact with Sgt. Taggart and Cpl. Calderone on the Alpha District and advised that the male was going to return shortly with cash to finish the purchase of the vehicle. At that time, Sgt. Taggart, Cpl. Calderone and K-9 Unit Cpl. Keith Dunn staged at the district, and waited for the phone call.
“Upon receiving the phone call, all three deputies responded and were able to detain the male from leaving or getting rid of any of the cash that he attempted to give back to his wife in the vehicle.
“Due to the actions and dedication of the three deputies listed above, $1,200 of counterfeit money was seized, and now a more depth investigation is being conducted by the US Secret Service.”
In his presentation of the award, Capt. Gossman expanded on the investigation and the arrest and said it was more dramatic than it deemed on paper.
“The money was so real it took two bank scanners two times to prove it was counterfeit. It had the same look – and smell – of real money.”
He said when the three officers set up the sting, they were only able to capture the man by “swooping down” on him.
Then there was the U.S. Secret Service who was called in. “It’s something to be aware of, especially by local business owners. This man had eluded the Secret Service for a long time.”
Gossman said he was proud of the officers, and chalked up the incident to a new wave of crime our local officials could control.
Each month, the North Fort Myers Chamber salutes a local law enforcement agent with the Deputy of the Month Award.
For information, call the chamber at 997-9111.