Laurel deputies take possession of prop money

A Laurel County business owner contacted the sheriff’s department after a pallet of prop money came into his business.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said James Jones, the owner of Pallets R Us in London, asked deputies to take more than $1 million in fake movie prop money.

“He found these bills mixed in with all of the other merchandise,” Acciardo said of Jones. “He knew they didn’t need to get into circulation.

Acciardo said the bills are very similar to real money. However there are dash marks on the front and back near the $100 denomination, the wording, “B2 Copy” on the front of the paper copy, and the word, “Speiman,” in red letters on the back.

In addition, the bills are off color compared to real notes, do not contain the fiber threads and do not feel like an actual bill.

Acciardo said Jones contacted the sheriff’s department immediately upon discovering the bills.

“We don’t believe any of the bills that came into the business are now in circulation,” Acciardo said.

Acciardo added that while it is not illegal to possess or sell the bills as fakes, it is illegal to knowingly attempt to pass them off a real currency.

“If anyone comes into contact with any of these fake bills, please take not that they are not actual legal currency,” Acciardo said.

Acciardo said Jones did nothing wrong and no charges will be filed.

“I would say we will get a court order and dispose of it,” Acciardo said when asked what deputies will do with the bills.