Police: North Hollywood Man Tied to Armenian Counterfeit Ring Arrested For Passing Fake $100s at Casino

A North Hollywood man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of trying to pass counterfeit $100 bills at a high-limit blackjack table in the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, a sheriff's sergeant said.

The incident was reported at 4:27 p.m. Thursday at the casino resort and spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Sgt. James Burton of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said.

Movses Dermishyan, 22, was in the casino's High Limit Room when he attempted to pass five $100 bills to the dealer, and four of the bills had the same serial number, Burton said.

"The dealer alerted security who then detained" Dermishyan, Burton said.

Dermishyan claimed he only had the five $100 bills on him, but he was searched and found in possession of an additional $2,100 in forged bills, Burton said.

"Investigators from the Cabazon Station and agents from the Secret Service responded to assist due to the unusually large volume and sophistication of the currency," Burton said.

"The Secret Service advised the bills were manufactured in Simi Valley and the San Fernando area of Los Angeles," Burton said. "They will be conducting additional investigation into the matter as it ties into a large Armenian counterfeit ring currently working in the Los Angeles area."

Dermishyan was arrested on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency, burglary, and violation of probation, and booked at Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, Burton said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to contact Deputy Abasta at the Cabazon Station at (951) 922-7100 or send an email to CabazonStation@RiversideSheriff.org.