On April 11, detectives assigned to the Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit arrested three suspects who appeared to be part of a counterfeit check-cashing operation stemming from Georgia. The investigation began the day prior when a Tigard Umpqua Bank employee contacted Tigard Police to advise that a subject currently inside the bank was attempting to cash a counterfeit check. A Tigard Police officer quickly arrived at the bank and arrested the suspect

Investigators were able to determine that the suspect arrested was involved in a more elaborate counterfeit check-cashing scheme being conducted in the metro area. The following day, investigators identified three additional suspects allegedly involved. The trio was arrested as they attempted to leave the area, likely back enroute to Georgia. Police followed two suspects as they departed from a Wilsonville motel in a rental vehicle and ultimately stopped them on Interstate-84 near Multnomah Falls. The third suspect was taken into custody at Portland International Airport just prior to boarding a flight to Atlanta. Police seized over $30,000 in cash from amongst the suspects. All three  were lodged in the Washington County Jail in Hillsboro.

Marcus R. Eppinger, 22, and Brittane D. Robinson, 20, both from Atlanta, Georgia, were charged with seven counts each of Theft I, Forgery I and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Rodrickus S. Robinson, 25, of Atlanta, is charged with Forgery I. As the investigation continues, additional charges may be forthcoming.

Investigators learned that the trio allegedly scouted out transients in downtown Portland, who were then driven to pre-determined banks in the area and instructed to cash the counterfeit checks.  The recruited transients turned over the money collected from the banks and were then paid a nominal fee for each check successfully cashed. Investigators from the Beaverton and Port of Portland Police Departments assisted with the investigation.