August 1, 2018 - On Saturday, July 7, 2018, the Newark Police responded to the Rite Aid on South Main Street for a report that an individual passed ten counterfeit $100 bills. The unknown suspect purchased gift cards with the counterfeit money. It was not until management made an additional inspection of the money that it was determined to be counterfeit. The subject also attempted to purchase food at a nearby restaurant but was turned away. Using surveillance video and investigative means, detectives were able to identify a 17-year-old juvenile male of Newark who passed the bills. Through further investigation, detectives identified Edward Slueue, a 25-year-old male of Newark, as providing the counterfeit money to the juvenile to purchase the gift cards. On July 26th, detectives executed search warrants at both subject’s residences and located evidence further linking them to the crimes. The juvenile was taken into custody on that date and Slueue was arrested on July 27th.
Edward Slueue was charged with the following:
Money Laundering
Forgery 1st Degree
Theft by False Pretense Under $1,500
Criminal Solicitation 2nd Degree
Conspiracy
Slueue was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released after being issued $16,500 unsecured bond.
The 17-year-old juvenile male was charged with the following:
Money Laundering
Forgery 1st Degree
Theft by False Pretense Under $1,500
Attempted Theft by false Pretense Under $1,500
Conspiracy
The juvenile was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released after being issued $5,000 unsecured bond.
The Newark Police are seeking any additional information from any businesses which may have also received counterfeit money. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Gerasimov at 302-366-7100 ext. 3474 or TGerasimov@newark.de.us.
You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.
The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.