THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 1, 1995 TAG: 9511010511
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: EMPORIA LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Police are investigating counterfeit money turning up in communities along Interstate 95 south of Richmond and in North Carolina.
More than 18 counterfeit $20 bills were spent last week at stores and restaurants near I-95, Emporia police Investigator Jimmie Allen said. Police found 15 of the bills in Emporia.
``You just don't see this stuff - not around here, anyway,'' Allen said. Police said the bills are thicker and smoother than real cash and sometimes look faded. Authorities said counterfeiters reproduce $20 bills because they draw little scrutiny compared to larger bills.
Emporia investigator Bryan Murphy said two men followed one another into convenience stores a few minutes apart Oct. 23 and made small purchases, such as gum or cigarettes. The money they used was later found to be fake.
Allen said the two men apparently passed the bills over several days.
Roanoke Rapids, N.C., police Lt. Andy Moody said counterfeit bills have been passed at two convenience stores just off the interstate.
Chesterfield police Lt. P.M. Spraker said bogus bills were passed at gas stations and convenience stores. by CNB