By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor A 28-year-old man has been identified as being responsible for a counterfeiting operation where $1,070 in fake money was seized in March 2014. Prosecutors …
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Record Managing EditorA 28-year-old man has been identified as being responsible for a counterfeiting operation where $1,070 in fake money was seized in March 2014.Prosecutors charged Antonio Johnson with two felonies for forgery and drug possession with the intent to distribute. An arrest warrant was issued Oct. 28. A $30,000 bond has been set.Johnson, of St. Louis, formerly lived in a residence in the 600 block of Westwoods Road. Wright City police executed a search warrant at the home on March 1, 2014.Early in the investigation, another suspect was believed to be responsible for the illegal operation, but Johnson was later identified as the main suspect.According to Detective Tom Canavan, the homeowner said Johnson had been residing at the residence since October 2013. In addition, mail bearing Johnson’s name was found in the room where the fake currency was seized and Johnson’s vehicle registration listed his address as being at the home on Westwoods Road.The paper and printer that allegedly were used to print the fake currency were located in Johnson’s bedroom, Canavan said. The fake money, in denominations of $100, $50 and $10 bills, also was seized.“It appeared he was making his money there,” Canavan said.Police learned about the counterfeiting operation from anonymous tips, Canavan reported previously.The counterfeit money had circulated in the area, with fake bills found in Truesdale and Troy. Other currency that had been used at two local businesses was determined to be fake when it was brought to a bank.“The money fooled a couple of businesses,” Canavan previously said. “If you didn’t pay attention, it was possible.”Authorities allegedly discovered three bags containing approximately 14 ounces of marijuana in Johnson’s bedroom. One of the bags contained several individually packaged bags that were ready for distribution, according to the probable cause statement.Numerous items used to grow marijuana also were seized from the home, including an irrigation system, grow lights and fans, police said.Counterfeit
