Newport, Oregon Authorities Bust Counterfeiting Operation

Officers found several counterfeit US Currencies in denominations of 100, 50, 20, and 10 inside the suspects U-Haul.

Salem-News.com

(NEWPORT, Ore. ) - Newport police have busted a counterfeiting operation, and they are looking for more victims.

On Saturday, Newport Officers were dispatched to the Newport Liquor Store just before 1:00 PM, on a report of a subject who attempted to pass a counterfeit $20 bill.

An employee from the Liquor Store followed the suspect and kept the dispatch center updated on his location as he traveled south on Hwy 101.

Officers were advised the suspect was at the US Market & Cigarettes, located at the corner of North Hwy 101 and NW 15th Street.

Newport Officer Jay Reynolds assisted by Newport Officer Rick Auborn and Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Dorsey stopped the suspect in a U-Haul and contacted the occupants.

With the assistance of the other officers, Officer Reynolds investigation led him to locating several counterfeit US Currencies in denominations of $100, $50, $20, and $10.

Officer Reynolds learned that 43-year-old Michael C. Kamb from Mount Vernon, WA. had attempted to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at the Newport Liquor Store, US Market & Cigarettes, and a cherry stand operated by Sparrow Park Rd Farms.

The cherry stand is located in the parking lot of US Market & Cigarettes.

Initially when Officer Reynolds contacted Kamb he was given a false identification with a false name.

Kamb was also found in possession of Counterfeit US Currency. He was also found to have a valid restraining order, retraining him from having contact with Cornish.

The passenger, 34-year-old Lyla K. Cornish, of Coupville, WA. was found to be in possession of Counterfeit US Currency and when first contacted she gave false identification with a false name.

Kamb was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on three counts Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, three counts Forgery in the First Degree, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Giving False Information to a Police Officer, Possession of Fictitious Identification, and Violation of a Restraining Order. Kamb's bail was listed at $190,000.

Cornish was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail on charges of two counts Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Giving False Information to a Police Officer, Fail to Carry & Present a Driver License, and Possession of Fictitious Identification. Cornish's bail was listed at $110,000.

A search warrant was obtained and served on the vehicle by Newport Police Officers.

Their search revealed items used to make Counterfeit US Currency, and other Counterfeit US Currency with a total value of over $5,000.

Information also obtained revealed that Kamb and Cornish may have been passing Counterfeit US Currency from the Washington border along the Oregon Coast.

Anyone with information regarding this case are encouraged to call Officer Jay Reynolds at (541) 265-4850, or Officer TJ Eriksen at (541) 265-4852.