No pretrial objections raised in Southeast Missouri counterfeiting case

Two people believed to be part of a counterfeiting ring that hit several Southeast Missouri stores have no objections to the prosecution's evidence.

Jessica Gross, 25, and Brynet Trice, 19, both waived their pretrial motions in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Lewis Blanton on Wednesday, indicating that they believe all evidence against them was obtained within their rights.

Trice and Gross are charged with publishing and using fake $10 bills at a Walmart in Poplar Bluff, Mo., on Oct. 6. Trice is also charged with publishing and using fake $20 bills at Goody's clothing store in Sikeston, Mo., a Save-A-Lot grocery store in Dexter, Mo., and a Buffalo Wild Wings in Sikeston on Oct. 6.

Gross is also accused of trying to pass fake $50 bills at JD's Quick Stop convenience store in Poplar Bluff.

Trice has yet to enter a plea, and Gross pleaded not guilty at her initial arraignment in November.

Trice and Darius Robinson, 22, were the first two suspects arrested in connection to the fake bills in October. When he was arrested, Robinson had six fake bills with him, according to Poplar Bluff police. They originally faced state forgery charges before they were remanded to federal custody.

While interviewing with police, Trice named Gross, Darius Lankford, 28, and Terry Hester, 27, as her co-conspirators. They remained at large before being arrested on an undisclosed date.

The five suspects were indicted Nov. 17, but federal court documents remained sealed until recently because at least one suspect was still at large and any public knowledge could have compromised the investigation, according to a motion submitted by federal prosecutor Paul Hahn.

Hahn has declined to comment on the case.

According to documents pertaining to discovery of evidence, the prosecution may use the fake bills, surveillance video footage of Gross at Walmart and JD's Quick Stop, merchandise receipts and a recorded interview Gross did with an investigator Nov. 30 as evidence against her.

Documents also reveal that the prosecution may use the fake bills, merchandise receipts, surveillance video of Trice at Walmart and Save-A-Lot and recorded interviews Trice did with an investigator Oct. 11 and Nov. 4 as evidence against her.

Trice's attorney, Rebecca Reed, and Gross' attorney, Pat McMenamin, declined to comment.

psullivan@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

499 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

Dexter, MO

Poplar Bluff, MO

Sikeston, MO