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Large Fraud/Forgery Ring Busted

The Nye County Sheriff's Office is reporting that it has busted a large fraud and forgery operation in Pahrump. Sixteen people have been arrested.

Investigators say 37-year-old Eugene Harris was the mastermind behind the ring and he recruited friends to take part in the illegal operation. He is facing 34 counts of obtaining money under false pretense, burglary, and conspiracy to commit a crime. His bail has been set at $850,000.

SLIDESHOW: Suspects Arrested in Forgery/Fraud Operation

Police say Harris created fake Social Security disability income award letters and would have individuals go to a loan center to get a payday loan based on the amount on the award letter. Harris would tell the individuals that he would pay the loan back. The individual would then turn over money to Harris. None of the loans were paid back.

The following individuals were also arrested and are facing charges of obtaining money under false pretense, burglary, and conspiracy to commit a crime. All have a pending bail amount of $25,000.

Taneka Wynne, 19 Pahrump

Bryan Supe, 23, California

Antonaria Johnson, 18, Pahrump

Shawndarro Thomas, 19, Pahrump

Starkiesha Thomas, 20, Pahrump

Marisol Rodriguez-Santini, 37, Pahrump

Sasha Colon, 21, Pahrump

Davonte Ringo, 18, Pahrump

Fernando Cook, 43, Pahrump

Laquanda Brown, 39, Pahrump

Kevin Armstrong, 18, Pahrump

Enedina Madrigal-Capistran, 24, Pahrump

Candy Simmons-Harris, 41, Pahrump

Jose Luis, Castillo, 19, Pahrump

Isaac Allen, 23, Pahrump

Tony Holland, 21, Pahrump