Counterfeit charges may be resolved

A Lethbridge woman accused of passing counterfeit bills and facing numerous other charges may be seeking to resolve her matters when her case returns to court on Oct. 19.

Kristina Zinger, 34, is charged with possession of counterfeit money, uttering counterfeit money, making counterfeit money and possession of stolen property under $5,000. Zinger had previously been arrested on additional charges of fraud over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon obtained by commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon while prohibited, obstructing a peace officer and identity fraud.

Zinger’s lawyer James Rouleau had his client’s case brought back before Lethbridge provincial court on Tuesday to revise her bail release conditions, but also informed the court he and the Crown were actively engaged in resolution discussions. He expressed his hope progress could be made in that regard before his client’s next appearance date on Oct. 19.

In March, the Lethbridge Police Service’s economic crimes unit, priority crimes unit and patrol officers searched a hotel room, westside residence and U-Haul, and seized printer cartridges, several sheets of paper and clippings of counterfeit U.S. currency. It was established some of the U.S. bills had serial numbers matching those of several bills passed at local businesses earlier in the month. A stolen licence plate, printer and other items were also recovered.

Zinger was arrested at the time without incident during a vehicle stop.