25 year old Ronico Richardson pled guilty to four counts of passing counterfeit currency in Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 9th 2012. The offences took place at two Front Street establishments on November 18th 2011, with the defendant admitting to passing two counterfeit U.S. $50 notes at each location.

As a result, Richardson was fined $3,000 by Magistrate Tokunbo to be paid by June 29th 2012. He was also found guilty of an additional charge, perverting the course of justice, for giving a false name to police when he was arrested for the counterfeit currency offences.

The Bermuda Police Service continues to advise businesses and their staff as well as the public to be vigilant regarding counterfeit currency. If counterfeit cash is detected during a transaction, staff receiving the fake money should hold on to it, note the description of the individual who tendered it and contact police immediately.

The public is reminded that it is a criminal offence to pass to another, possess, make or reproduce any counterfeit currency and those caught doing so can expect to be prosecuted. Suspicious circumstances regarding counterfeit currency should be reported directly to the main police number 295-0011 or via the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.