Michigan Man Printed Fake Money Across 15 States

A 56-year-old Grand Rapids man has been charged with five felony counts after an extensive multi-state investigation revealed he was involved in manufacturing counterfeit currency worth approximately $30,000.

Matthew Wilson was arrested at a hotel near the Grand Rapids airport where he was meeting with two individuals from Malaysia who had recently arrived in the United States. The arrest came after five months of investigation that involved coordination between local, state, federal, and out-of-state law enforcement agencies.

The Investigation Begins

The probe started in late October 2025 when a Michigan State Police trooper from the Traverse City post responded to a complaint about a counterfeit $10 bill being used at a Dollar General store on Reynolds Road in Benzie County.

During the investigation, police discovered two similar incidents had been reported the previous day in nearby Grand Traverse County. At the time, troopers could not find connections between the cases.

Over the next five months, state police widened their probe with the help of law enforcement agencies from beyond Michigan borders. They executed multiple search warrants before identifying a suspect.

Hotel Arrest Near Airport

On March 27, 2026, the Benzie County Prosecutor's Office authorized a five-count felony warrant for uttering and publishing counterfeit bills or notes.

The MSP Sixth District Fugitive Team located Wilson at a hotel near the Grand Rapids airport. He was arrested on the outstanding warrant and initially lodged at the Kent County Jail before being transported to the Benzie County Jail.

More Fake Money Found at Hotel

Following the arrest, troopers conducted additional investigative work and executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Wilson was staying. They recovered:

• Additional counterfeit currency
• A fraudulent check
• Multiple electronic devices
• A printer along with materials consistent with the production of counterfeit bills

Interstate Criminal Activity

According to Michigan State Police, Wilson allegedly was involved in interstate criminal activity, including manufacturing more than $30,000 in counterfeit currency. Police said he committed similar crimes in 14 other states.

Agencies in Iowa and North Dakota have both issued warrants for Wilson, indicating the scope of his alleged criminal operations.

Court Proceedings

Wilson was arraigned on April 6 in the 85th District Court in Benzie County on five counts of uttering and publishing counterfeit bills or notes.

He received a $250,000 cash or surety bond. His next court date is scheduled for April 20.

What's Next

Law enforcement officials say there is potential for additional charges and investigations into Wilson as the case continues to unfold. The interstate nature of the alleged crimes suggests this could be a significant operation spanning multiple jurisdictions.