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Police Seek Man Accused Of Passing Counterfeit Bills In Greensburg

GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Police are looking for a 20-year-old man who is allegedly passing counterfeit bills.

He has allegedly used them at several businesses in Westmoreland County.

"We actually have a warrant for him; his name is Jessie Lawson," said Capt. Chad Zucco, of the Greensburg Police Department.

Investigators say the New Alexandria man's been on a bit of a spending spree lately. The problem, the bills he's using are bogus.

"He was attempting to pass counterfeit $20 bills at businesses around the city," said Capt. Zucco.

Lawson allegedly passed homemade money at a Greensburg bowling alley, and then hit coin laundry and drop off service. His ploy police say is to buy small with the fake cash and net real greenbacks as change.

"He went into a cleaners, purchased clothing items, and received $20 in change," said Capt. Zucco.

A freeze frame from surveillance video at the cleaners shows Lawson shortly before he left the business.

Police say he also went into a pizza shop, but the clerks there got a good look at what police say was a bad attempt at counterfeiting.

"It wasn't even close to being a legitimate $20 bill," said Capt. Zucco.

Lawson remains on the run, and local police aren't the only ones interested in the fake money.

"The Secret Service has been notified, yes," said Capt. Zucco.

Lawson is charged with receiving stolen property, theft and forgery.

RELATED LINKS:
More Westmoreland County News
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