Counterfeit case faces lengthy wait
$6420 in fake notes allegedly found in raid
A WOMAN accused of running a “sophisticated” counterfeit money operation faces a lengthy wait on remand while the brief of evidence in her case is assembled.
Rikki Dana Reeves, 41, came to the attention of authorities after she was captured by CCTV allegedly using counterfeit currency to buy clothing, prompting police to launch a raid on her CBD unit in September.
In the unit, officers located $6240 in counterfeit notes, as well as a computer, printers, and materials used for creating different denominations of Australian currency notes, including bar codes and clear windows.
Reeves was charged with two counts of possessing counterfeit money, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs, and single counts of making counterfeit money or counterfeit securities, possession of counterfeit instrument, possession of bullion/ paper etc for counterfeiting, uttering counterfeit money.
She also faces charges for possessing anything used in the commission of crime, possessing dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property and the unlawful possession of weapons. She is yet to enter a plea to the charges.
Reeves was not present in Townsville Magistrates
Court when her matter was mentioned on Tuesday.
Defence lawyer Lisa Mcnamara said briefs of evidence were requested for the latest round of charges, to go with the brief they received for Reeve’s 2021 drug trafficking charge.
Police prosecutor Mark Fenlon confirmed that an examination of computers and mobile phones had been completed, along with photos of all exhibits, with some CCTV obtained.
In terms of evidence that remained outstanding, he said they needed several items including statements from “two lay witnesses, all police officers, including continuity”.
“We need analyst certificates for the weapons and the drugs. Expert statements are coming in from the Australian Federal Police regarding the counterfeit currency expert,” Mr Fenlon said.
“There is some CCTV footage to be followed up.”
Queensland Health and Forensic Scientific Services
advised that the drug analysis would take about three months to complete, and the AFP expert statement was expected to take a month.
Mr Fenlon said no time frame had been provided to process the ballistics evidence but given their backlog, “six months shouldn’t be an unexpected delay”.
“All further statements will be obtained in the nearfuture that everyone’s been requested to provide,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re in a position to do anything quickly.”
Magistrate Richard Lehmann adjourned the matter until February 13, with Reeves remanded in custody.
We need analyst certificates for the weapons and the drugs MARK FENLON