Crime & Safety

Man Bought PS3 off Craigslist with Counterfeit Money: Police

A 27-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged with forgery after he allegedly bought a $450 video game console off Craigslist with counterfeit money.

A 27-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged with forgery after he allegedly bought a $450 video game console off Craigslist with counterfeit money.

Jonathan Howard was charged Wednesday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with one count of felony forgery. If convicted, he could face up to six years imprisonment, $10,000, or both.

According to the criminal complaint:

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On March 2, 2012, the victim told police he advertised his Playstation 3 on Craigslist for $450. He agreed to meet near his home in Oak Creek with two men who were interested in buying the game console. After selling the Playstation, the victim told police he was walking home and felt the money, which didn’t fell like real money, the court documents says. 

Police say they tested the money and it in fact was not genuine currency. Many of the bills had the same serial number on them, police say.

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During the investigation, Oak Creek detectives created a photograph array containing Howard's photograph and showed it the victim who said it was the man who gave him the counterfeit money in exchange for the Playstation.

Howard is due in court July 19 for a initial appearance, according to online court records. 


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