A woman from Council Bluffs, Nebraska, who was previously convicted of using counterfeit $20 bills has found herself back in court this week facing fresh allegations. Stephanie McDonald is accused of engaging in multiple fraudulent transactions involving fake currency. Having pleaded no contest to a single count of first-degree forgery earlier in 2024, she received a year-long probation sentence. Now, authorities have formally charged her with two additional counts of forgery. With a bond set at $10,000 per charge and a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 11, the case highlights ongoing concerns over counterfeit currency usage in local businesses.
Stephanie McDonald's legal troubles began in August 2024 when she was initially reported for allegedly using counterfeit $20 bills at four Runza restaurants. In these instances, she reportedly purchased small items such as lemonade or coffee. Later that month, another incident occurred at HyVee, where she allegedly used a fake $20 bill to buy two $1 shooters. Law enforcement quickly linked this report to the previous incidents at the Runza locations. Further allegations surfaced in February when LePeep restaurant staff claimed McDonald attempted to make a $3.84 coffee purchase with a counterfeit bill the previous December. The manager noted recognizing McDonald from prior attempts and mentioned capturing an image despite her efforts to conceal her identity.
Additional evidence emerged in April when a Scooters employee successfully photographed the vehicle associated with similar incidents. This employee identified McDonald as the individual involved in at least five interactions where she ordered inexpensive items and paid with counterfeit $20 bills. Despite this testimony, McDonald denied ever visiting that particular Scooters location. These repeated incidents underscore a pattern of behavior raising questions about the extent of her alleged activities and the challenges faced by businesses in identifying and reporting counterfeit currency usage.
As the judicial process unfolds, the community awaits further developments in McDonald's case. The allegations highlight the broader issue of counterfeit currency circulation and its impact on local establishments. Businesses continue to grapple with strategies to detect and prevent such fraudulent practices while cooperating with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. Beyond the immediate legal proceedings, the case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard financial integrity within the community.