Pair arrested in Auburn for passing $600 in counterfeit currency in Placer County stores

Two individuals were arrested March 29 on suspicion of possession and passing of counterfeit currency in Auburn. At the request of loss prevention officers, Placer County Sheriff's deputies reported to The Home Depot on Willow Creek Drive before 11:10 p.m. According to the Sheriff's Office, two suspects were reported to have walked in and out of the store multiple times, purchasing items with counterfeit $100 bills each time. The suspects, identified as Elaine Pipes, 43, and Jay Hatfield, 62, walked into the store and purchased garden department merchandise before exiting the store. The Sheriff's Office reported the pair returned a short time later and Hatfield purchased another item. Pipes entered the store a third time using the self-checkout station to purchase more merchandise. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived, detained Pipes after the third transaction and found two additional counterfeit $100 bills and a meth pipe. The Sheriff's Office confirmed Hatfield was also detained. A search of Hatfield's vehicle revealed a white envelope containing seven counterfeit $100 bills in the center console and a CVS receipt on the passenger's side floorboard. Further investigation revealed the pair purchased a gift card using the counterfeit currency at a Rocklin CVS. According to the Sheriff's Office, Pipes and Hatfield passed $400 in counterfeit currency at The Home Depot and $200 at CVS. Pipes was charged with possession and passing of a counterfeit item, drug paraphernalia possession, conspiracy and a warrant. According to Angela Musallam, public information officer for the Sheriff's Office, Pipes was released from custody April 1. Hatfield was charged with possession and passing of a counterfeit item and conspiracy. Musallam confirmed Hatfield was released from custody on March 29.