Auburn, Ala. - On Aug. 2, 2024, Auburn Police arrested Joseph Lamar Yearby, age 51, and Etika Vonya Jones, age 49, both from Miami, FL, on warrants charging each with 13 counts of possession of a forged instrument first degree, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property third degree.

The arrest stems from Auburn Police responding to the 1500 block of Opelika Road in reference to locating suspects associated with using counterfeit money to make purchases. Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by the suspects, and they were identified as Joseph Lamar Yearby and Etika Vonya Jones.

Yearby and Jones both had multiple outstanding warrants for possession of a forged instrument first degree associated with previous incidents involving counterfeit money. Both suspects made purchases using counterfeit bills between May 22 and July 29 at businesses located in the 1100 block of Opelika Road and the 1500 block of Opelika Road. Auburn Police identified Yearby and Jones as suspects during the investigation of previously reported crimes, resulting in the outstanding warrants.

During the traffic stop, counterfeit currency was recovered by police, resulting in additional possession of a forged instrument first degree charges. Officers also located illegal narcotics and narcotics contraband, which initiated the drug related charges.

Yearby and Jones were both transported to the Lee County Jail and each held on a $70,000 bond.

Joseph Lamar Yearby

Etika Vonya Jones

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.