Counterfeit bills lead to Stateline arrest

Paul James Kempel, 25, was arrested last week at Caesars Tahoe after allegedly trying to pass a counterfeit $100 bill.

Douglas County sheriff's deputies learned he also was at the nearly Lakeside Inn and Casino, where security had found two $100 counterfeit bills.

Officers said a search of Kempel's apartment turned up $8,700 in counterfeit $100 bills - all with the same serial number as the bills found at Caesars and Lakeside.

Investigators said that 1996 series $100 counterfeit bills with the serial number AL92415558C have been turning up since Feb. 27 in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington.

Kempel was charged in Nevada with possession of forged bills and uttering a forged instrument. He also may face charges in California for possession of counterfeit bills.

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