By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Wright City police have busted an alleged counterfeiting operation after seizing $1,070 in fake money at a home. The case remains under investigation as officers seek more information about whether more suspects are connected to the illegal operation, according to Detective Tom Canavan. Wright City police executed a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of Westwoods Road on March 1. The paper and printer that allegedly were used to print the fake currency were located in a bedroom in the home, Canavan said, along with the counterfeit bills. He said a 25-year-old man was arrested about a month later and charges have been applied for in the case. Two people of interest are also being sought for questioning. Police learned about the counterfeiting operation from anonymous tips, he added. “I wasn’t expecting to find that amount,” Canavan acknowledged. “It was fairly decent (discovery).” Canavan said the counterfeit money has 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 said. “If you didn’t pay attention, it was possible.” Along with locating the fake currency, officers located three clear plastic bags containing 13.3 ounces of marijuana in the home. Canavan said one of the bags contained seven individually packaged bags ready for distribution. Officers also seized a metal spoon that allegedly had heroin residue on it as well as equipment used to grow marijuana, Canavan reported. Canavan said the persons who are connected are facing serious drug charges since the home is located within 240 feet of Wright City High School. Two additional people — a 59-year-old man and 21-year-old man — who live in the home are also expected to be charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana stemming from the search, according to Canavan.
Police find $1,070 in counterfeit money at Wright City home
