Man pays Middletown water bill with fake cash

Middletown police are investigating counterfeit money used by a resident to pay a water bill in October.

A man paid a $200 bill on Oct. 26 with a $100 bill and five $20 bills, according to Barbara Bradley, assistant finance director. This news agency isn’t naming the man because he hasn’t been charged, said Lt. Scott Reeve.

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On Wednesday, police confirmed with Fifth Third Bank that the $100 bill was counterfeit, according to the report.

A video of the transaction was recovered for evidence.

On average $30,000 in counterfeit money is taken in monthly in the Dayton area and about $100,000 monthly for southern Ohio, which includes Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, according to Secret Service Agent Kevin Dye of the Dayton office.

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“As the holidays approach, more counterfeit is received due to heavy cash intake for shopping. Retailers should carefully look at cash received during the holidays and call police if suspicious,” Dye said.

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