Two Manorhaven residents have been criminally charged with using phony $100 bills at separate Main Street stores. One, a 35-year old male was arrested on Dec. 7. The other, a 26-year-old male, was arrested on Dec. 15. Both are accused of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a felony. The Port Washington Police Department, along with the United States Secret Service, are investigating a possible association between the two men, as well as the source of the bogus bills. They are also examining the connection between these two incidents and the recovery of five counterfeit $5 bills at Petland Discounts on Old Shore Road.

Port Washington Police Detective Jerry Rasiak described the $100 bills, both of which bear the same serial number, as being crude counterfeits. They are slightly smaller than authentic bills, have a slight blue-green tint and a waxy feel. According to the detective, individuals who are attempting to use phony currency will often do so late at night in the hopes of finding a vendor too tired to pay close attention. Fitting that pattern, at least one of the phony $100 bills was used at 12:30 a.m. to purchase a single cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts. The second was recovered at the Mediterranean Marketplace.

The serial number which appears on both $100 bills is B29591554B. Detective Rasiak advised local merchants to watch out for any remaining phony currency which might still be in circulation.