A startling revelation unfolded in June 2024 when an employee at Park Side Credit Union in Missoula, Montana, discovered that a significant portion of the vault's cash was counterfeit. The investigation that followed exposed a year-long embezzlement scheme orchestrated by a co-worker who had meticulously replaced real money with movie prop currency. The perpetrator, Edward Arthur Nurse, a former team leader in charge of the vault, admitted to siphoning off nearly $389,000 over several months.

Nurse's actions were not just a financial crime but also a breach of trust within the institution. To maintain the deception, he carefully concealed the fake bills by placing genuine currency on top and bottom of each bundle. This elaborate ruse required multiple purchases of prop money over seven months. Eventually, the Federal Reserve received a shipment of approximately $50,000 in counterfeit bills from the credit union, leading to increased scrutiny and the uncovering of Nurse's activities. His gambling habit, fueled by the stolen funds, resulted in numerous large cash deposits into his personal account, despite his claims of limited cash transactions.

The consequences of Nurse's actions extended beyond mere monetary loss. Park Side Credit Union faced reputational damage and operational challenges. As a state-chartered credit union serving thousands of members across Montana, the incident underscored the importance of stringent internal controls and vigilance. While Nurse's family expressed support and acknowledged his struggles with addiction, prosecutors highlighted the need for accountability. Nurse's sentence includes six months in prison, five years of supervised release, extensive community service, and full restitution. Additionally, he must undergo treatment for his gambling addiction, aiming to prevent future misconduct and promote rehabilitation. This case serves as a reminder of the critical role integrity plays in financial institutions and the far-reaching impact of dishonesty.