NORTH WILDWOOD—A former Miss North Wildwood winner and her mother were arrested in connection with a counterfeit money scam, Friday, Feb. 20. The 2007 crown-holder Ashley Fuhrmeister, 21, and her mother Kelly A. Nowacky, 44, allegedly used counterfeit $50 bills for purchases at the local Wawa convenience store during the month of January.
Captain Robert Caruso, Public Information Officer for the North Wildwood Police Department, said that the employees at the Wawa recognized Fuhrmeister and her mother and reported the two to the police. They were arrested and charged with possession of forgery devices, forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery. The investigation led detectives to John Laughlin, of Belleplain, who was also arrested and charged with forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery.
The investigation was led by the North Wildwood Police Department in conjunction with the United States Secret Service. Further investigation revealed that Fuhrmeister and her mother passed counterfeit money at another area store in Wildwood. Nowacky and Laughlin were both sent to county jail in lieu of $15,000 bail. Fuhrmeister was released on her own recognizance.

Fuhrmeister bearing her crown during a local parade in 2007.