ATHENS-The Athens Police Department arrested four suspects on Thursday evening, January 28. The arrests were for passing counterfeit currency. Captain Trevor Harris of the Athens Police Department released a statement regarding the arrests:
“Athens Police Department arrested four Ohio residents last night after one of them passed a counterfeit $100 bill at an Athens restaurant. An alert Captain D’s employee called Athens Police Department shortly before 8 PM to report the white male suspect who passed the fake bill jumped into a dark SUV and was wearing camouflage clothing. Officer James Rogers was able to stop the male in an SUV before the vehicle could leave the parking lot.
The vehicle was occupied by two females and two males. A strong odor of marijuana could be detected coming from the parked vehicle. The occupants were removed from the car and identified. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of marijuana, a controlled substance believed to be heroine, needles, and other drug paraphernalia. A large quantity of cash (including counterfeit bills) was also found in the car. The man wearing camouflage was identified as Kyle Raleigh.
While some officers and detectives were investigating the four suspects, other officers canvassed the shopping center to see if additional bills had been passed by the suspects. At least one other fake $100 bill was recovered from a nearby business. It’s serial number matched that of a fake bill found in the car. A large quantity of cash and merchandise were also observed in the vehicle. All four occupants were transported to Athens Police Department for questioning. The SUV was impounded for further investigation.
Upon completion of all interviews the following charges were made:
The four individuals were booked at Athens Police Department then placed in the Limestone County Jail. Athens Police Department detectives continues to work this case and additional counterfeit currency is likely to be recovered. Departments from North Alabama and Tennessee have already contacted Athens Police Department with similar crimes in their jurisdictions. Businesses are asked to contact law enforcement in their jurisdiction should they find any fake bills.”
