Woman busted in Scottsdale passing counterfeit money linked to thefts

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A woman was busted in Scottsdale for reportedly passing counterfeit money linked to thefts.

Connie Weiss still has the three-page list of things someone stole from her Scottsdale home more than two years ago. Jewelry, computers, other electronics are on it as well as a few things far more meaningful.

“They took the birth certificate and the death certificate of my son that passed away,” said an emotional Weiss.

Her 21-year-old son Brian unexpectedly died in 2001.

The thief also ended up stealing dozens of savings bonds given to Brian as well as his older brother.

“I was a mess. I was out of control crying and just in shock,” recalled Weiss.

This week, Weiss got some of those savings bonds back after Scottsdale police arrested Margaret Maloney.

Investigators said she passed counterfeit money at a Valley business and, after searching her home, found evidence linking Maloney to Weiss’ case.

During their investigation, detectives said they also found a Purple Heart medal in Maloney’s possession. Detectives believe she stole it from a Tucson home.

The name George L. Woodard is written on the back but investigators have had no luck finding him.

“We've been working with the Veteran's Affairs and other people to try and figure out or track down family members but at this point we have not been able to find this person,” said Sgt. Mark Clark, a Scottsdale police spokesperson.

Anyone who might have information about the Purple Heart's owner is asked to call Scottsdale police.