Two Long Beach residents were arrested after Glendale police said they connected the pair to a counterfeiting scheme that targeted a dozen In-N-Out restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The investigation began on Oct. 21 after a report of someone passing fake currency at an In-N-Out in Glendale, a Glendale Police Department news release said.
“Detectives quickly determined the crime was part of a broader pattern targeting In-N-Out locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties,” the release said.
Detectives working with In-N-Out security employees used surveillance video and search warrants to identify the suspects as Auriona Lewis, 24, and Tatiyanna Foster, 26, as primary suspects, the release said.
Auriona Lewis was arrested on Oct. 30 in Palmdale in possession of counterfeit bills matching those used in the Glendale theft, along with gift cards and transaction receipts believed to be connected to the investigation, the release said. Foster was arrested on Dec. 15 at the Glendale Police Department.
The LA County District Attorney’s Office charged Lewis with felony counterfeiting and grand theft. Foster’s case is pending her appearance in court this month, the release said.
Police encouraged anyone who is a victim of counterfeiting to report the crime as soon as possible in order to timely assist investigations. Police asked anyone with information on the In-N-Out cases to call 818-548-4840.