Three young suspects were arrested for counterfeit currency in Central Florida.
Detectives assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit have arrested three suspects for Possession of Counterfeit Currency.
Detectives started an investigation after local business owners in John’s Pass reported that two subjects were passing counterfeit currency. The two subjects, later identified as 18-year-old James Perry and 19-year-old Benjamin Warshowsky, walked into the Spice & Tea Exchange located at 110 129th Avenue East in Madeira Beach, and asked the employee to break four twenty-dollar bills.
The owner later found that the four bills were counterfeit. Several additional businesses nearby reported fraudulent bills as well.
Throughout the investigation, detectives learned that 19-year-old Myles Dorris was also involved. Detectives say that Perry, Warshowsky, and Dorris altered the bills and planned to leave in a rental car to pass the bills in Georgia and Tennessee.
While attempting contact, Warshowsky fled on an electric bike and Dorris fled on foot. Both were apprehended shortly after. All three suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. During the arrests, detectives found almost $20,000 in counterfeit currency.
If you believe your business received counterfeit currency, contact Detective Bereznay at 727-582-6015. The investigation continues, according to local law enforcement.
