Deputies say citizens’ helped busted pair of counterfeiters cheating people at garage sales

Published 4:47 pm Monday, November 4, 2019

A sharp-eyed citizen who reported something suspicious to authorities led to the arrest of two Mississippi residents Sunday for allegedly trying to pass counterfeit money at local garage sales.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said a citizen called deputies Saturday after learning that two people were buying merchandise with counterfeit bills.

A citizen was able to get a picture of the suspects’ vehicle and Pelahatchie police were able to locate the car.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

After law enforcement found more than $1,000 in counterfeit funds along with ink and other equipment.

They arrested Mary Glassmire Sessume, 38, of Pelahatchie, and Purvis Dustin Ward, 32, also of Pelahatchie.

After obtaining search warrants for both of their residences, deputies report finding additional evidence of counterfeiting. The U.S. Secret Service was contacted and has joined the investigation team.