Fashion Bug Cashier accepts fake $200 bill

#1
http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/02/news/funny/200_bill/index.htm?cnn=yes

Fake $200 featuring Bush is back
Pennsylvania woman faces charges after cashier accepted bill with the president's picture on it.
September 2, 2004: 3:26 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - It's no secret that people are passionate about the 2004 presidential election, but one Pennsylvania woman may have pushed her political feelings for George Bush a little too far.

Deborah Trautwine, 51, faces criminal charges of forgery, theft and receiving stolen goods after she passed a fake $200 bill with the president's picture on it, the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed with CNN/Money Thursday.

Although there is no $200 bill in circulation, never mind one with George Bush's picture on it, the cashier at the Fashion Bug in Hempfield Township, Pa., accepted the bill for some clothes and handed the woman about $100 in change.




"She went in there and intended to pay with [the bill]," said Trooper Jeanne Martin. "Someone besides the cashier must have checked the cash drawer, then the store alerted us."

Trooper Martin added that the police were able to track the woman from information the store had provided.

This wasn't the first time a fake $200 'Bush' bill has been accepted by a cashier. Last September a man passed one at a Food Lion store in North Carolina to pay for $150 worth of food and was given $50 in change, according to a report from The Smoking Gun.

Trooper Martin said the Pennsylvania State Police have not had any additional reports about the fake bills in the Pennsylvania area.

The fake $200 also has other distinguishing features, such as being "signed" by former President Ronald Reagan, whose title on the bill is "Political Mentor." Bush's father's name also appears on the bill as "Campaign Advisor and Mentor."

In addition, the serial number DUBYA4U2001 adorns the front of the fake bill.

A story about the fake $200 bill was originally reported in the Tribune-Review of Westmoreland County, Pa. A manager for the Fashion Bug store, which is owned by Charming Shoppes (CHRS: Research, Estimates), didn't comment to the Tribune-Review.