GULF SHORES, Alabama April 30 2013 -- After trying to pass a counterfeit $100 bill at a local pharmacy, a Florida man was arrested thanks to an employee’s description of the suspect, according to Gulf Shores police.Mark Joseph Elking Jr., 30, of Panama City was charged with first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of a forgery device.
According to Gulf Shores police, Elking tried to use the counterfeit money about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. While the suspect left the drug store before police arrived, the employee’s description of suspect and his vehicle allowed officers to track him down.
Elking was pulled over shortly after leaving the pharmacy and, according to a new release, “led to evidence of a counterfeiting operation being conducted by the suspect.”
As of Monday, Elking remained in Baldwin County Corrections Center in Bay Minette with bail set at $30,000.
Possession of a forged instrument is a Class B felony in Alabama and carries a possible jail sentence of no less than two years and no more than 20 years. Possession of a forgery device is Class C felony with a sentence range of one to 10 years.
Gulf Shores police say the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime is ask to call Detective Shane Lindsey at 251-968-2431.
Source- AL.com