Doreen Maertin

A 36-year-old Middleport woman stands accused of attempting to pass a phony $20 bill.

Doreen M. Maertin was arrested by New York State Police on Thursday and charged with felony forgery.

According to the police report, Sheriff's deputies were called to "a local McDonald's" after employees spotted the fake bill, which Maertin had attempted to pay for her food order with through the drive-thru window. When the employee realized it was a counterfeit, Maertin sped off without receiving her food order or change, the report states.

After receiving a vehicle description from McDonald’s employees and reviewing security tapes, Troopers were able to compile a list, through the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, of suspect vehicles in the Niagara County area.

While on patrol in the Town of Royalton, Troopers spotted and stopped a vehicle matching the description and bearing a registration from the DMV list. The operator, identified as Doreen Maertin, was interviewed and was later arrested and transported to SP Lockport for processing.

Maertin was arraigned in the Town of Newfane Court and was released on her own recognizance to re-appear on April 22.

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