Western Washington pair arrested for drugs, counterfeit bills

MOSES LAKE — A man and woman from western Washington were arrested in Moses Lake on Monday for drugs and allegedly passing fake bills at several businesses.

The two suspects, identified as Artem Kirichenko, 32, of Puyallup, and Emily A. Coates, 30, also of Puyallup, found themselves on the radar of the Moses Lake Police Department after fake $100 bills were passed at Safeway and Rite Aid by a man and woman.

A MLPD officer contacted local businesses with information on the suspects and Kirichenko and Coates reportedly attempted to pass fake bills at Walmart about 9:30 p.m. Monday night. The suspects were taken into custody at the store and their vehicle was impounded, according to MLPD Capt. Mike Williams.

A search warrant was served on the vehicle and police reportedly recovered 4 ounces of methamphetamine, 1 ounce of heroin, $10,000 in legitimate cash, $2,000 in fake bills, an illegally possessed pistol, computer equipment, a printer, a credit card embosser and “dozens” of fake credit cards.

“Officers located receipts and other evidence that Kirichenko and Coates have crossed the state leaving counterfeit bills in their wake. The Secret Service (who has federal jurisdiction over counterfeit cases) is involved in the case, and federal charges are likely,” Williams explained.

Kirichenko was booked into the Grant County Jail for investigation of theft and counterfeiting charges, as well as felon in possession of a firearm, possession of meth and possession of heroin with intent to deliver. Coates is facing counterfeiting, theft and drug-related charges.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.