OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa woman was arrested this week after allegedly using counterfeit money to make purchases at a gas station.

Court records show that 56-year-old Tammatha Lea Brown made two separate purchases at the Hy-Vee Gas Station in north Ottumwa in June using fake $100 bills. Both were described as smaller transactions, allowing Brown to receive large amounts of real cash in change.

Authorities say that Brown was aware she was using counterfeit money when making the purchases. She has two prior theft convictions on her record, one of which occurred in 2010, and the other of which occurred last month.

Brown was arrested on a warrant on Wednesday and charged with 3rd Degree Theft, an aggravated misdemeanor, and Forgery, a Class D felony.