One Opp man discovered that crime, especially forgery, does not pay, after attempting to use counterfeit $20 bills to purchase items from a local convenience store.

David R. Potter, 29, of Opp, was arrested by Opp police officers Wednesday and charged with 12 counts, one for each counterfeit bill, of first-degree possession of a forged instrument. He placed was in the Covington County Jail on a $480,000 bond.

Opp Assistant Police Chief Mike McDonald said the clerk identified the counterfeit bills and immediately contacted OPD.

“Officers made contact with Potter as he was attempted to pull out of the parking lot of the Hobo Pantry located on Florala Highway,” McDonald said. “Officers made the arrest and discovered several counterfeit bills on his person.”

First degree possession is considered a class ‘B’ felony, according to Section 13A-9-5 of the Alabama Code of 1975. If convicted, Potter will face not less than two (2) years and not more than 20 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary, and may include a fine not to exceed $10,000 for each count of possession.

McDonald said that he urges all merchants throughout Covington County to remain vigilant in checking bills that pass through their registers.

“If one person can produce counterfeit bills or obtain counterfeit bills, then it is not unreasonable to assume that other individuals can acquire such bills,” he said. “All vendors should make sure to check all bills. Be sure to thoroughly check all currency and pay special attention to the texture of the bill.”

For more information about methods to detect counterfeit money visit the United States Secret Service website at http://www.ustreas.gov/usss/money_detect.shtml.