An Ottumwa woman was arrested after police say she used fake money to make multiple purchases at a local gas station.
According to court documents, Tammatha Brown entered the northside Hy-Vee Gas station in June and made two separate purchases using counterfeit $100 bills. Both transactions were for small amounts, allowing Brown to receive a large amount of cash in change.
Police say Brown was aware the bills were counterfeit at the time of the purchases. She has two prior theft convictions—one in 2010 and another in June 2025.
A warrant for Brown’s arrest was issued on July 22nd and she was taken into custody on the following day. Brown was transported to the Wapello County Jail where her bond was set at $7,000. Brown was charged with Forgery (Class D felony) and Third-Degree Theft (aggravated misdemeanor).
