MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Three teenagers are facing felony charges after deputies discovered nearly $20,000 in counterfeit cash linked to a string of fraud attempts across Pinellas County, authorities said.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on Oct. 24 after several Johns Pass business owners reported that two young men were attempting to use fake $20 bills.
Deputies identified the suspects as James Perry, 18, and Benjamin Warshowsky, 19, who visited the Spice & Tea Exchange on 129th Avenue East and asked an employee to break four $20 bills. The store owner later discovered the bills were counterfeit.
Detectives soon learned that multiple nearby businesses had received similar fraudulent currency. Further investigation led to a third suspect, Myles Dorris, 19, who was allegedly involved in a plan to distribute the fake bills in Georgia and Tennessee using a rental car.
When detectives attempted to make contact, Warshowsky fled on an electric bike, while Dorris ran on foot. Both were caught shortly after.
All three suspects were arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Deputies said they recovered approximately $20,000 in counterfeit currency during the arrests.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the teens passed any of the fake bills outside Florida.
