6 local residents plead guilty in federal court to counterfeiting

Six southern Minnesota residents — including three from Albert Lea — have pleaded guilty in federal court to their involvement in a counterfeit ring.

Heather Cameron

The scheme targeted businesses along the Interstate 35 corridor between the Twin Cities and the Iowa border.

Albert Lea resident Heather Ann Cameron, 34, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of counterfeiting U.S. currency.

In her plea agreement, Cameron admitted that from December 2010 through June 2011, she chemically washed $5 bills and reprinted them as $100 bills. She said she intended to defraud businesses by passing the bills and then receiving money and goods in return.

Travis Cameron

Her husband, Travis Allen Cameron, 31, of Albert Lea pleaded guilty Monday to the same count, admitting that he produced altered bills.

Meranda Lynn O’Connor, 29, of Albert Lea pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to one count of uttering altered currency, admitting that between Dec. 21, 2010, and Jan. 1 she passed the altered money at businesses in Bloomington and Burnsville.

Also entering pleas were the following:

• Sarah Ann Wood, 27, of Owatonna, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of uttering altered currency. Wood admitted to using the counterfeit bills at five Mankato businesses in May.

• Eric Michael Dorman, 34, of Fairmont, pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to one count of counterfeiting, admitting he produced altered bills in May and June.

• Vincent Dwayne Tampio, 33, of Faribault, pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to one count of counterfeiting, admitting he produced altered bills in May and June.

Co-defendant Dustin David Hanson, 34, of Northfield, entered a guilty plea earlier this month, and co-defendant Daniel Jay Wilson, 27, of Owatonna, did so in September.

Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The sentencing hearings have not been scheduled yet.

SportsPlus

Business

Tradition of Service: Muffler Center to celebrate 50 years with open house on Dec. 14

Mower County

Cost-share available for old wells

Mower County

Christmas in the County to be held at Historical society on Dec. 14

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Nov. 25-Dec. 2

News

US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown

Albert Lea

Seniors ride for free with SMART

Mower County

Riverland Theatre students shine in “The Spotlight”

Mower County

Council holds Truth in Taxation meeting, moves final levy and budget decision to Dec. 16 meeting

Mower County

New stop signs has city taking control of uncontrolled intersections

Mower County

Christmas concert featuring CommUNITY Choir, Austinaires to be held Tuesday

News

UnitedHealthcare CEO is fatally shot in a ‘targeted attack’ outside a New York hotel, officials say

Mower County

Suspect in criminal sexual conduct case in Grand Meadow has conditional release revoked

News

Minnesota budget update shows $1.1B less than prior forecast

Albert Lea

Freeborn Co. Fair releases 2025 grandstand line-up

News

My Town My Music release 2025 Rochester Thaw Music Festival Lineup

Education

LeRoy’s Izabella Allison named to the Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic

Blooming Prairie

Education Briefs: Blooming Prairie A Honor Roll

News

History museum teaches appreciation for buildings, design through gingerbread

Mower County

Long awaited renovation/expansion project announced for Paramount Theatre

Mower County

City council puts pause on cannabis ordinance

Mower County

Holiday fun in works for Merry & Bright Night

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

None injured in Thanksgiving night house fire