Beware: Counterfeit $100 Bills Circulating in Natchez/Natchitoches Areas
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested two Natchitoches Parish men in connection with counterfeit bills being passed in the Natchez and Natchitoches areas according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on Sunday December 4th at approximately 2:00pm, when Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division and Natchez Police Department responded to Rite-Way Grocery, in the 9500 block of La. Hwy 1 in Natchez in connection with a counterfeit $100 bill being passed at the business.
Deputies say upon their arrival, Natchez Police Chief Gerald Johnson informed them while speaking with the business management a person identified as Oscar E. Moody, attempted to purchase items with a counterfeit $100 dollar bill.
The management allegedly handed the counterfeit bill back to Moody. Moody reportedly left the business traveling in a gold 1997 Cadillac Deville.
Deputies and Natchez Police issued a BOLO for the vehicle and began searching the area.
Shortly thereafter, Deputies and Natchez Police came in contact with Moody while he was sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of a construction business on La. Hwy 494 near Point Place.
Deputies say while interviewing Moody, he informed them he possessed the counterfeit currency.
Deputies obtained permission to search Moody and the vehicle.
During a search of Moody’s person and the vehicle, deputies seized suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, and the counterfeit $100 bill.
Oscar E. Moody, 37, of the 400 block of Bermuda Road, Natchitoches, La., was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS II Methamphetamine, Possession of CDS I Marijuana, Monetary Instrument Abuse (Counterfeit) and Probation Violation.
Moody remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.
Later on Sunday afternoon December 4th at approximately 4:26pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division also responded to Tommie’s Grocery in the 2300 block of La. Hwy 494 near Natchitoches in connection with another counterfeit $100 bill being passed at the business.
Deputies say while speaking with the business management, they learned that two individuals identified as Oscar Moody and Curtis Moody went into the business earlier on Sunday but did not make any purchases.
Both left the store but shortly afterwards, Curtis Moody returned and purchased a twelve pack of beer with a $100 bill.
The $100 bill was determined to be counterfeit after Moody left the store.
Deputies completed an offense report, and obtained a criminal arrest warrant for the arrest of Curtis Moody signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge.
At approximately 8:30pm, Natchez Police Chief Johnson contacted the NPSO reporting Moody was in custody.
Deputies responded to assist.
Curtis Ray Moody, 36, of the 300 block of Johnson Loop, Natchez, La., was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center by deputies charged with 1-count of Monetary Instrument Abuse (Counterfeit).
Moody has been released on bond pending his court appearance.
Deputies say both counterfeit $100 bills collected for evidence in the investigation states “For Motion Picture Use Only.”
During this holiday season with numerous gift purchases being made, the NPSO reminds all businesses to check $100 bills for authenticity.
If you have any questions or come in contact with any counterfeit currency, contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit which investigates counterfeit currency cases at 357-7830.
Involved in the investigation and arrests were: Natchez Police, NPSO Patrol Division, NPSO Criminal Investigations and High Tech Crime Unit.