Two North Iowa men arrested on counterfeiting charges

MASON CITY – Investigators from the Mason City Police Department arrested two suspects in connection to recent reports from Mason City businesses receiving counterfeit money.

Bradley Gene Gouge (19) of Garner, IA was charged with counterfeit forgery, a class D felony for an incident that occurred on May 23, 2011 at Kum & Go Central located at 418 S. Federal Avenue where George presented a counterfeit $100 dollar bill to the convenience store attendant.

GougeJoseph Michael Evenson (22) of Mason City, IA was charged with counterfeit forgery, a class D felony for an incident that occurred on May 13th, 2011 at Cenex Ampride located at 504 1st Street SW where Evenson presented a counterfeit $100 dollar bill to the convenience store attendant. Evenson is also being held on charges of Aggravated Domestic Assault from a recent incident in Mason City, an aggravated misdemeanor.

EvensonA class D felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $7500 in fines. Both Gouge and Evenson are currentl being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

The Mason City Police department warns that more counterfeit money is in the North Iowa area an all denominations of bills, and to be on the look out for this type of crime. If the public has any questions or information they are encouraged to contact Investigator Terrance Prochaska of the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3563.