Three arrested after clerks catch them trying to pass fake fifty dollar bills


By [email protected] Updated on Wednesday, May 24 2017 09:16pm

Max Kaba, 31
Alex Karto, 28
Lamin Kemokai, 30

On Tuesday afternoon about 2:20 p.m. May 23rd police were notified that individuals were attempting to pass fake currency at a store in the Lakeport Commons area of Sioux City. They were seen leaving the area in a 2009 Black Dodge Charger with South Dakota License Plates.

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Police were able to catch up to the vehicle just before the Hamilton Boulevard Exit on Interstate 29 Northbound. While stopping the vehicle counterfeit currency was spotted being thrown out the passenger side of the car. Nine counterfeit $50.00 bills were recovered from the roadway.

Court Documents say the investigation concluded that Lamin Kemokai attempted to purchase merchandise totaling $106.99 with 3 counterfeit $50 dollar bills when confronted by employees Kemokai fled the store with the bills. Kemokai invoked his right to remain silent but did he say he needed to urinate because he’d been drinking Coronas. An open Corona and 7 counterfeit $50 bills and 1 counterfeit $100 bill were found in the backseat where Kemokai was seated.

Lamin Kemokai, 30 was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on 2 counts of forgery and 1 count of open container. He’s being held on $23,000 Bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

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Additionally, Max Kaba attempted to purchase merchandise totaling more than $250.00 with 5 counterfeit $50 dollar bills. When confronted by the clerk Kaba fled leaving the bills behind. Kaba admitted to coming to Sioux City to go shopping, he attempted he tried to use the counterfeit bills, and that he got the bills from Kemokai.

Max Dwain Kaba, 31 was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on 2 counts of forgery and is being held on $20,000 Bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

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Alex Karto also said that they drove down from Sioux Falls to go shopping and he got approximately four $50 bills from Kemokai. He admitted when they got pulled over he attempted to hide the fake money by putting it in the door area. He had a counterfeit $50 bill in his pocket and two more were located outside the passenger side of the vehicle.

Alex Karto, 28 was arrested and booked into the Woodbury County Jail charged with one count of forgery. He is being held on $10,000 Bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 2nd at 9:00 a.m.


IncidentDate  TimeActivityLocation
17-16148   05/23 14:21   FRAUD    5000 Block of SERGEANT RD