Phony money results in arrest

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
Russellville Police made an arrest this week in a case involving counterfeit $100 bills.
Chief Chris Hargett said Miguel Alonzo Jose, 23, residing at the Budget Inn in Russellville, was arrested and charged with possession of a forged instrument after he was caught attempting to pay for items at a store in Littleville with a fake $100 bill.
RPD Investigator Capt. David Hester said the United States Secret Service has been contacted to assist in or take over the investigation. The Secret Service, a part of the Treasury Department, investigates counterfeit currency cases.
Hester said Jose attempted to pass a phony $100 bill at a store in Russellville on March 7. The store owner kept the bill and notified the police. A search warrant was obtained and executed on Jose's room, but nothing was found.
The next day, Hester said the Littleville store reported another counterfeit bill. Jose told police the same story he told the Russellville store owner, that he had cashed a check in Double Springs, Ala., and received the bill in change.
Hester said Jasper (Ala.) police have confirmed that Jose attempted to pass two phony $100 bills in Jasper as well.
Police suspect that the source of the money may be in Walker County, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Jose remained in Franklin County Jail at press time on $10,000 bond.
If any other store owners or citizens have any information about other counterfeit bills, they should contact Hester at 332-2230.