St. Catharines man charged in connection with counterfeit currency investigation

Niagara police have charged a 36-year-old St. Catharines man following a counterfeit currency investigation.

On April 2, officers began investigating the use of counterfeit money used in an online buy and sell transaction.

Authorities say on March 30 the victim and man agreed to meet at a Welland area coffee shop to complete the sale of a used cell phone.

At the time of the transaction, the man paid in Canadian cash. But days later the victim realized the cash used was counterfeit.

Detectives were able to identify and verify the man and his St. Catharines residence.

On April 7, officers executed a search warrant and discovered over $8,000 in suspected counterfeit Canadian currency and materials consistent with the making of counterfeit currency.

A quantity of suspected illegal crystal methamphetamine was also seized.

As a result, 36-year-old Eric Rockwell of St. Catharines has been arrested and faces the following offences:

• Uttering, Using or Exporting Money
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Release Order (two counts)
• Making Counterfeit Money
• Possession of Counterfeit Money
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance (Crystal Methamphetamine)

Authorities believe Rockwell has used counterfeit money in transactions prior to this one and believe there may be more victims.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim or who has information related to this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1008980.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.

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