Woman Charged After Allegedly Using Counterfeit Cash To Buy Truck In St. Paul Park, Complaint Says
Published: May 7th 2026
WASHINGTON COUNTY MN: A woman is facing multiple felony charges in Washington County after allegedly using counterfeit money to purchase a pickup truck in St. Paul Park, according to a criminal complaint.
Britteny Amber Branshaw, DOB listed as Aug. 14, 1997, has been charged with theft by swindle and counterfeiting of currency.
According to the criminal complaint, St. Paul Park Police Officer Thisius was dispatched at about 2:59 p.m. on May 2 to take a phone report regarding fraud. The complainant, identified as DRJ, told police that he and his wife were selling a black 2006 Dodge Ram truck that was parked outside a residence in St. Paul Park.
The complaint states an individual DRJ knew as “Britteny B” expressed interest in purchasing the truck after seeing it parked outside the residence. “Britteny B” was later identified as Branshaw.
According to the complaint, DRJ communicated with Branshaw by text message regarding the truck and provided police with Branshaw’s phone number.
The complaint states Branshaw was dropped off at the residence at about 2:20 p.m. on May 2 and test drove the truck. After the test drive, Branshaw allegedly gave DRJ 52 $100 bills totaling $5,200, and DRJ gave her the vehicle title.
According to the complaint, DRJ said Branshaw signed “Britteny B” on the title but did not provide additional required information, including a driver’s license number, date of birth, full name, or address.
After arriving home, DRJ allegedly observed the money was counterfeit. The complaint states DRJ works for AAA and used a counterfeit money detector pen, which changed color to brown, indicating the bills were fake.
According to the complaint, DRJ later provided the counterfeit money and the bottom portion of the vehicle title to police. A KOPS alert was then issued for the truck.
The complaint states that on May 3 at about 4:46 p.m., Officer Thisius was notified that officers with the Richfield Police Department had located the truck outside Dick’s Sporting Goods in Richfield.
According to the complaint, the truck was occupied by an adult male driver and Branshaw, who was identified as the female passenger. Officers allegedly located additional counterfeit currency inside the truck totaling $22,800.
The complaint states Officer Thisius responded to Richfield, took Branshaw into custody, and transported her to the Washington County Adult Detention Center.
According to the complaint, approximately two minutes after being informed she would be placed on a 48-hour hold rather than booked and released, Branshaw stated she was not feeling well and had swallowed fentanyl. EMS responded and Branshaw was medically cleared, the complaint states.
Branshaw is charged with:
Theft by Swindle
Minnesota Statute: 609.52.2(a)(4)
Maximum Sentence: 10 years and/or $20,000 fine
Offense Level: Felony
Counterfeiting of Currency — Uttering or Possessing
Minnesota Statute: 609.632.3
Maximum Sentence: 10 years and/or $20,000 fine
Offense Level: Felony
Branshaw is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.