At attempt to purchase something with counterfeit money at a local retailer ended with two Nevada residents in jail and more than $12,000 in counterfeit bills and a handgun recovered.

According to the Manteca Police Department, the loss prevention team at the Manteca Kohl’s location contacted authorities after a woman attempted to purchase merchandise with bills that were determined to be fake. When officers from the department’s Organized Retail Crime task force arrived, they located the female in the parking lot and followed the car that she climbed into – attempting to initiate a traffic stop.

While the driver was slow to yield to police, he eventually pulled over and officers determined that the driver – 51-year-old Aaron Flourney of Nevada – had recently been paroled from prison and was on searchable probation. A search of the vehicle uncovered $12,200 in counterfeit bills – in denominations of $20 and $100 – and a loaded Glock handgun under the driver’s seat.

The vehicle itself was determined to be a rental car that was being used to transport the two around California during the commission of their crimes.

“Through their investigation, Officers learned that the suspects were from Nevada and were driving a rental car,” the Manteca Police said in a statement announcing the arrest. “They were purchasing merchandise from various retailers through Nevada and Northern California and returning them for cash at similar stores.”

The woman who attempted to purchase the items at the Kohl’s location – 20-year-old Jaila Bradford – had an outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon from another California agency and was taken into custody. She was charged with Flourney for passing counterfeit bills, conspiracy, and carrying a loaded firearm in public. Flourney also picked up a charge of being a felon in possession of a handgun.

“This was a great job by our ORC Unit,” the Manteca Police said in a statement. “These individuals were armed while operating over a wide area using counterfeit bills to complete their thefts. Our dedicated MPD officers were able to bring this crime spree to a safe and successful conclusion.

While Flourney was released from the San Joaquin County Jail on Friday, Bradford remains in custody on $410,000 bail and was due to appear in the Manteca branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court on Monday.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.