BENZIE COUNTY — A 56-year-old Grand Rapids man was arraigned Monday on felony charges following a five-month investigation into a counterfeit currency operation that spanned 15 states. Matthew Wilson faces five counts of Uttering and Publishing Counterfeit Bills or Notes after allegedly manufacturing approximately $30,000 in fake bills.
The investigation began in late October 2025 after a Michigan State Police trooper responded to a report of counterfeit $10 bills used at a Dollar General in Benzie County. Troopers later linked the incident to two nearly identical reports in Grand Traverse County, leading to a coordinated effort between local, state and federal agencies to identify a suspect.
Wilson was located on March 27, 2026, at a hotel near the Grand Rapids airport. Members of the Michigan State Police Sixth District Fugitive Team arrested him on an outstanding warrant. At the time of the arrest, Wilson was with two individuals from Malaysia who had recently arrived in the United States. Following the arrest, Wilson was initially held in the Kent County Jail before being moved to the Benzie County Jail.
Following the arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the hotel room. Investigators recovered additional counterfeit currency, a fraudulent check and several electronic devices. They also seized a printer and materials consistent with the production of counterfeit bills. Authorities allege Wilson was involved in the local manufacture of approximately $30,000 in counterfeit currency.
Investigators allege that Wilson participated in interstate criminal activity. In addition to the Michigan case, Wilson is accused of committing similar offenses in 14 other states, bringing the total number of states involved in the investigation to 15. Law enforcement agencies in Iowa and North Dakota have already issued fully extraditable felony warrants for Wilson.
The investigation involved coordination between numerous local, state, federal and out-of-state law enforcement agencies. Michigan officials stated that this coordination is ongoing and may lead to additional charges or investigations in other jurisdictions. Wilson was arraigned in the 85-1 District Court in Benzie County.
Wilson is scheduled to return to court for his next appearance on April 20, 2026. A judge set his bond at $250,000 cash or surety.