CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — A South Carolina inmate’s attempt to post bond took a turn when he allegedly handed over counterfeit bills and told the judge to “keep the change.”
According to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Patrick Alexander, 33, of Mississippi, had been granted a $250 bond on a trespassing charge and was preparing to leave the Chesterfield County Detention Center. After receiving his personal property, Alexander allegedly pulled out a wad of money, sorted through it and handed the judge three $100 bills.
The judge reportedly declined to keep the extra money and noticed something was off about the bills. The sheriff’s office said the color appeared unusual, and a closer look revealed Chinese writing on the back.
A detention officer then tested the bills with a counterfeit detection pen, which indicated the money was fake, according to the sheriff’s office. The judge instructed staff to hold the cash as evidence, and Alexander was informed the bills were counterfeit.
Alexander was later charged with counterfeit money/forgery. Officials said a warrant was obtained and served on him at the detention center.
Under South Carolina law, forgery includes falsely making, forging or counterfeiting a writing or instrument, or knowingly helping create a counterfeit item.
