Arroyo Grande Police Department Arrests Two Suspects Involved in a Counterfeiting Operation 
On December 5, 2018, Arroyo Grande Police Officers were alerted of a subject attempting to pass counterfeit $100 bills at Wal Mart. The suspect fled in a vehicle prior to police arrival. Based on surveillance footage the suspect was identified as being Michael Anthony Hooper.
On December 19, 2018, AGPD Officers located Hooper and arrested him for an outstanding felony warrant. A search of his residence revealed additional counterfeit currency, currency that was in the process of being washed and printed, along with equipment and supplies used to process and create counterfeit currency. Additional items of interest were also located which showed evidence of identity theft.
The Arroyo Grande Police Department is working with the United States Secret Service on this investigation.
Michael Anthony Hooper and Claudia Patricia Ritter were identified as the suspects and arrested and booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail for the following charges:
Michael Anthony Hooper:
PC 475(a) – Possession of Forged/Counterfeit Currency
PC 476 – Making/Passing Counterfeit Currency
PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy To Commit a Crime
Claudia Patricia Ritter:
PC 475(a) – Possession of Forged/Counterfeit Currency
PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy To Commit a Crime
Address/Location
Arroyo Grande Police Department
200 N Halcyon Rd
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-473-5100
Beau D. Pryor, Chief of Police
[email protected]
805-473-5110
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP AGPD followed by your message, to 888777
