A former Athens Clarke County police dispatcher and her husband face charges for involvement in a counterfeit money ring. Cynthia Ramirez-Bernal is charged with making false statements to officers. Her husband Darley Bernal is charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government, possession of counterfeit currency, and uttering counterfeit currency. Juan Uribe, Carlos Ramirez and Yesenia Lavayen were also listed on the indictment for similar charges. The group allegedly used counterfeit $100 bills imported from Peru to make small purchases to receive large amounts of change. The indictment given to Grady Newsource by the U.S. Attorney’s Office states that the group possessed more than $10,000 in counterfeit money. It also states that the events occurred between June and July of 2011. The accused spent these bills at many Athens locations including the Publix on Barnett Shoals Road, the CVS on Alps Road, and the Atlanta Highway Outback Steakhouse. There were also two unidentified females involved with the purchases listed on the indictment.
-By Caley Beacham and David Sanders
