Pinellas County law enforcement officials report a recent counterfeit currency case involving three teenagers. The individuals, aged 18 to 19, were arrested with nearly $20,000 in fake bills, which they allegedly attempted to distribute to several local businesses. The suspects have been identified as James Perry, Benjamin Warshowsky, and Myles Dorris.
The operation was uncovered after business owners in Johns Pass reported two individuals attempting to use counterfeit currency. According to WFLA News, the investigation began on last Friday, when Perry and Warshowsky visited the Spice & Tea Exchange on 129th Avenue East and asked an employee to break four $20 bills, which were later identified as counterfeit. Detectives determined that Perry, Warshowsky, and Dorris had altered the bills and intended to use a rental car to distribute them across Georgia and Tennessee.
In a developing case, detectives attempted to approach Warshowsky and Dorris regarding the investigation, but one fled on an electric bike while the other ran on foot, as per FOX 13 News. Both were apprehended shortly afterward, and deputies recovered the counterfeit currency from their possession during the arrests.
Further investigation showed that the suspects had used counterfeit $20 bills at multiple businesses, including Sugar Daddies Ice Cream and The Spice & Tea Exchange, according to surveillance footage cited by IONTB. Deputies recovered 21 counterfeit $100 bills from Perry after he contacted authorities, stating he had passed them under pressure from an unidentified individual. Additionally, Hubbard’s Marina noted on Facebook that they were among the victims, along with DeLosa’s Pizza, Kiwlin’s, and Sculley’s.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is asking business owners who suspect they may have received counterfeit currency to come forward. Detective Bereznay can be reached at (727) 582-6015 for anyone with information or concerns regarding counterfeit bills. Perry, Warshowsky, and Dorris are in custody and face multiple charges related to the possession and distribution of counterfeit currency.
