Man and Woman Indicted for Counterfeit Money Scheme at Southern Park Mall
A man and woman from Brooklyn, New York, have been indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury on multiple charges for allegedly attempting to use counterfeit $20 bills at several stores in the Southern Park Mall. The incident took place on October 5, 2023, and resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
According to a police report, mall security alerted officers to a suspect wearing a tie-dye shirt who was attempting to flee through Macy’s. An officer quickly spotted the man, later identified as 31-year-old Travis Bayne, and ordered him to stop. Bayne complied and was placed in handcuffs. However, the woman accompanying him, later identified as 35-year-old Tanisha Bynoe, refused to cooperate and tried to leave the scene.
Security personnel apprehended Bynoe near an exit, and both suspects were taken into custody. During a search, police discovered a significant amount of cash on Bayne, who claimed that his license was in Bynoe’s car. Consequently, officers entered the vehicle to retrieve the license and found various debit and credit cards, as well as prepaid gift cards belonging to Bayne.
Further investigation revealed that Bayne matched the description of a suspect who had passed counterfeit money at other stores in Belden Village and the Summit Mall. The manager of those establishments provided security camera footage to the police, confirming Bayne’s involvement.
Employees from the victimized locations positively identified both Bayne and Bynoe, leading to their subsequent indictment on charges of counterfeiting, theft, and attempted theft. Additionally, Bynoe is facing a charge of obstructing official business.
This case serves as a reminder for businesses to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency. Retailers should train their staff to recognize the signs of counterfeit money and report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly.
Law enforcement agencies advise individuals who encounter counterfeit currency to refrain from accepting it and to contact their local police department immediately.
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