Inmate Attempts to Pay Bond with Counterfeit Cash

A South Carolina inmate reportedly tried to pay his bond with counterfeit bills during a court appearance for a break-in charge. The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office detailed the unusual incident.

Authorities shared that the inmate, identified as 33-year-old Patrick Alexander from Mississippi, was charged with forgery as a result of this bizarre attempt.

The judge initially set Alexander’s bail at $250 for trespassing. After receiving his personal belongings, he presented the judge with a handful of cash, specifically three $100 bills. He even jokingly told the judge to “keep the change.”

However, this gesture didn’t amuse the judge at all. Upon handling the bills, the judge noticed something strange: the color wasn’t quite right. A closer inspection revealed writing in Chinese on the back of the bills.

Detention officers then used a counterfeit detector pen and confirmed that the money was indeed fake, leading to further charges against Alexander.

Following this discovery, the judge instructed that the counterfeit money be kept as evidence. Officials indicated that a warrant was subsequently obtained and served to Alexander at the jail, reinforcing the seriousness of his actions.

The sheriff’s office also explained that under South Carolina law, specifically Section 16-13-10 regarding forgery, it is illegal to create or assist in creating any fraudulent documents.