Man With Real Cash Tried to Spend Fake $50s Instead, Police Say

A man had more than $1,300 of legitimate cash wrapped in a rubber band, but instead tried to spend $150 of fake money on gas, cigarettes and beef jerky, according to Largo Police.

Troy Augustine White, 20, of Seminole, gave an attendant three $50 bills to pay for $20 in gas, a pack of cigarettes and beef jerky Aug. 29 at the Citgo, 1701 West Bay Drive, according to police.

White left when the clerk told him the bills were fake, investigators said. Police saw White leave the gas station at a high rate of speed.

When they stopped him, they smelled the odor of marijuana and saw a 1.75 liter bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin in a rear passenger seat.

White said he got the fake bills from his employer. However, his boss said he does not pay employees with anything larger than a $20, according to police.

After searching White’s vehicle, officers found a blue backpack which contained marijuana, a digital scale and plastic bags. Officers also found $1,338 in cash wrapped in a rubber band under White's seat.

White was arrested and charged with uttering forged bills, driving under the influence, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance.