AZ women charged in fake coupon ring enter pleas
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
PHOENIX (AP) - Three women charged in an investigation into a fake coupon ring have pleaded not guilty.
Marilyn Johnson, Robin Ramirez and Amiko Fountain entered their pleas Wednesday in Maricopa County Superior Court.
They each face felony charges of illegal control of an enterprise, forgery, counterfeit marking and engaging in a fraudulent scheme.
Authorities say they have seized more than $25 million worth of fake coupons and $2 million in other assets from the women's Phoenix-area homes.
Police say Ramirez bought counterfeit manufacturer coupons overseas and sold them online. Fountain and Johnson are suspected of helping operate the site and shipping the coupons.
People who purchased the coupons could use them for items from major national manufacturers and could get cash back if the value of the coupon exceeded the item's price.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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