Tennessee man arrested, accused of using counterfeit bills in western Kentucky

Mike Mohundro; WSIL

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (WSIL) -- A Tennessee man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into counterfeit $100 bills passed at businesses in western Kentucky, authorities said.

According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, the case began Feb. 13 when a Water Valley area business reported a suspect attempted to pass counterfeit currency around 1 p.m. When confronted, the suspect fled the store.

Authorities said the suspect left in a newer-model white Nissan four-door passenger car that was missing the entire left rear taillight housing and did not display a license plate. A photograph of the suspect was released at the time as deputies sought assistance from the public in identifying him.

During the investigation, deputies said the same suspect attempted to pass counterfeit bills at a business in Fulton.

Richard King, 57, of South Fulton was identified the suspect.

On Feb. 19, Graves County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Seaton, assisted by the South Fulton Police Department and the Obion County Sheriff's Office, located a possible home for King in Tennessee. After a brief surveillance, officers said they saw King and and took him into custody.

King was arrested by Tennessee authorities on a Graves County arrest warrant charging him with criminal possession of a forged instrument. Officials said he is also facing similar charges in other jurisdictions.

He was taken to the Obion County Jail pending extradition to Graves County. The investigation remains ongoing.