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4 charged in Cass County (IA) following a forgery and counterfeiting investigation

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January 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Police in Atlantic today (Tuesday) said four Cass County residents are charged in connection with a felony  forgery and counterfeiting investigation. 52-year-old Tami Schulz and 31-year-old Nathan Frazier, both of Atlantic, were charged with Ongoing Criminal Conduct. Frazier was charged also with Forgery, while Schulz was additionally charged with Counterfeiting/Forgery.

Authorities say their investigation began when Jason Wingrove, of Anita, was caught on December 30th allegedly attempting to pass counterfeit U-S currency at Walmart, in Atlantic to purchase a new inkjet printer cartridge. During a subsequent police interview with Wingrove, he stated that the counterfeit currency was being produced at the apartment of Tami Schulz, along with Kalee Nolte, of Atlantic, and Nathan Frazier.

On January 2nd, Tami Schulz called the Cass County Communications Center and informed them that she was the person who gave Wingrove the counterfeit money to buy a new ink cartridge at Walmart. On January 14th, Atlantic Police executed a search warrant at Schulz’ apartment at 1200 Elm Street, and after being read her rights, she chose to answer questions officers posed with regard to the fake money.

Schulz said Nolte and Frazier were in the process of moving out on January 15th. Officers were able to collect several hundred counterfeit items, including U-S currency, SWITA transportation tickets, a manufactured bank check, and other items related to the counterfeiting operation, including an inkjet printer and cartridges, and photographs of U-S currency. Schulz was able to identify all the items as belonging to Nolte and Frazier. She went on to say Nolte and Frazier would print the counterfeit items and then give them to her to cut out. Schulz said she was aware that it was illegal, and tried to tell Nolte and Frazier the same thing.

On January 17th, Atlantic Police Officer Snyder interviewed SWITA Transportation Director Mark Lander, who confirmed Schulz, Nolte and Frazier had used counterfeit tickets on multiple occasions to obtain transportation. Lander told police they tickets began appearing in mid-December, 2o23. When the fake tickets were discovered, SWITA barred Schulz, Nolte and Frazier from using SWITA transport. The used counterfeit SWITA tickets were seized as evidence.

Police say based on the information they obtained, Tami Schulz, Kalee Nolte, Nathan Frazier and Jason Wingrove were charged. Wingrove and Nolte were charged with Forgery. Nolte was additionally charged with Ongoing Criminal Conduct. The suspects were booked into the Cass County Jail Jan. 22nd and remained held as of today (Jan. 23rd).