Attempts made to pass counterfeit money at two South Lawrence businesses

Law enforcement officials were asked to investigate two separate incidents in the Saint Joseph area last week where individuals attempted to make purchases using counterfeit money.

The first incident was reported Wednesday at Shoal Creek Canoe Run. A clerk reported that a man had come in, selected merchandise, then attempted to pay using two counterfeit $10 bills. She said that she informed the man that the bills were fake and that she would be contacting law enforcement officials. She said that the man then told her he was leaving and left the premises.

Deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Saint Joseph Police Department reviewed security video that documented the incident. They were able to identify the suspect by viewing the video.

The following day authorities spoke with an employee of Randy’s One Stop in Saint Joseph. There, a clerk reported that a man had attempted to pay for merchandise with counterfeit money, as well. She told deputies that the man, who had been traveling in a black Toyota Four Runner, had appeared to be surprised when she told him the bills were counterfeit.

Officers reviewed security video at the second market, but indicate that they were unfamiliar with the subject. The clerk did report, however, that the man mentioned he had obtained the bills from another man with the same name as the suspect identified in the first case.

Deputies reported they would be obtaining warrants against the suspect. At the time reports were filed the warrants had not yet been served. Investigation into the incidents is on-going at the present time.