Two Arrested For Using Fake Money At Cookeville Stores

Authorities arrested two people on multiple charges for passing fake currency at Cookeville stores.

Cookeville Police arrested 28-year-old Jamontrae Ridley, of Columbia, and 39-year-old Thomas Givens, of Clarksville, on Monday.

Arrest warrants state officers received a tip that two subjects were using counterfeit $100 bills at multiple Cookeville locations.

Both suspects were identified on video using the fake currency at Office Mart and were later spotted by police at Gabe’s.

Officers identified the suspects exiting the store before Ridley attempted to flee the scene on foot. Warrants state Ridley was then tased by police and tried to resist arrest before being subdued.

According to warrants, both Ridley and Givens admitted to using the fake currency after being read their Miranda rights.

Both Ridley and Givens face four counts of criminal simulation for using fake currency. Ridley also faces additional charges of criminal impersonation, evading and resisting arrest.

Ridley and Givens were booked into the Putnam County Jail under $13,5000 and $10,000 respectively and have since posted bond. Both are scheduled to appear in court Sep. 9.