Six arrests in forged gaming ticket scam announced by FRPD

During the months of August and September, the Front Royal Police Department received several complaints from local businesses regarding the forging and uttering of fraudulent gaming tickets. A preliminary investigation revealed that several individuals were responsible for either fabricating or altering winning gaming tickets printed from electronic betting machines. These fraudulent tickets were then passed at several businesses with electronic gaming machines in exchange for cash- typically, hundreds of dollars’ worth per ticket. After an extensive investigation, a total of six individuals were identified and have been arrested in connection with these crimes.

The names, photographs, and pending charges of those arrested have been listed below. This investigation is currently ongoing with additional arrests pending.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to please contact Detective Corporal J.E. Fenton at (540) 636-2208, or by email at jfenton@frontroyalva.com.

Gary Roland Fairfax of Front Royal, VA.
Offenses: § 18.2-171 Possess forging instruments, § 18.2-172 Forgery and uttering (x3), § 18.2-250 Possession of Sch I/II drug, § 18.2-22 Conspiracy to commit felony

Diane Garber of Front Royal, VA.
Offenses: § 18.2-172 Forgery and uttering, § 18.2-178 Obtaining money by false pretense

Ralph Crouse Jr. of Front Royal, VA.
Offenses: § 18.2-172 Forgery and uttering (x3), § 18.2-178 Obtaining money by false pretense (x2), § 58.1-4017 Forge, alter, make, ticket w/ intent to present for payment (x3)

Jessica Nicole Shell of Front Royal, VA.
Offenses: § 18.2-172 Forgery and uttering, § 18.2-178 Obtain money by false pretense

Rafael Llera of Front Royal, VA.
Offenses: § 18.2-172 Forgery and uttering

Matthew T Huff of Front Royal, VA. (no photograph available)
Offenses: § 18.2-178 Obtain money by false pretense, § 18.2-96 Petit Larceny

All photographs provided courtesy of RSW Regional Jail.