Counterfeit $50 Bills Passed At Local Stores

By Andrew Gorosko

Police are investigating incidents in which three people used counterfeit $50 bills to buy merchandise at “several stores” at Sand Hill Plaza at 228 South Main Street on Friday, October 26.

Police said the crimes committed included first-degree forgery and fifth-degree larceny. Fifth-degree larceny involves the theft of items valued at between $250 and $500.

Local police reports on the passing of counterfeit currency are rare.

Between 5:40 and 6:30 pm on October 26, three people used the counterfeit cash at several stores at the shopping plaza, which is the largest retail complex in town, police said.

However, at two other stores at the plaza, the counterfeit currency was not accepted by merchants and police were then called to investigate the situation.

Police provided a general description of the three people who passed the counterfeit currency at the stores.

One person is described as a 5-foot, 3-inch tall Hispanic woman, with dark hair and of average weight, who is in her late 20s to early 30s.

Another is described as a white woman with dirty blond hair of medium weight, who is in her late 20s to early 30s.

The third person is simply described as a black male.

Police ask anyone with information about the identities of these people to contact them at 426-5841, or at 270-8888. Officer Colin Richter is investigating.

In cases involving counterfeit money, local police consult with the US Secret Service on the crime.

Police said that people can learn about spotting counterfeit currency by reviewing information posted on the Secret Service’s website on the Internet. The address is: www.secretservice.gov.