Wilcox man facing additional charges related to fake currency

JOHNSONBURG – A Wilcox man facing charges for using fake $100 bills at businesses in St. Marys is facing additional charges after allegedly using one of the bills to make a purchase at a business in Johnsonburg.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge James L. Martin in Johnsonburg, Joseph Leo Hollingshead, 40, of 102 Worral Street, Wilcox, is facing charges in relation to the incident.

On July 12, an officer from the Johnsonburg Borough Police Department was dispatched to Fuel On located at 135 West Center St., Johnsonburg, for the report that someone had used a fake $100 bill to make purchases.

Upon arrival at the business, the officer was met by an employee who had the fake $100 bill in a Ziploc bag. According to the affidavit, when looking at the fake $100 bill, it contained the words “For Motion Picture Purposes.” The officer took the fake currency and returned to their office.

During a follow-up at Fuel On on July 18, the officer met with the manager, who showed a picture of the male who had passed the fake $100 bill. At that time, the male was identified as being Hollingshead.

During another follow-up at Fuel On on July 23, the officer was provided with a sales receipt for Hollingshead's transaction at 5:14 p.m. on July 12. According to the affidavit, Hollingshead had purchased tobacco for $3 along with $20 of unleaded regular gas. The subtotal was $23 with tax of $0.18 for a total of $23.18. Hollingshead paid with the fake $100 bill and received $76.82 in change.

According to the affidavit, the manager of Fuel On stated that Hollingshead took the change from the transaction and used it on games of chance that are located in the store.

Preliminary arraignment for Hollingshead was held before Magisterial District Judge Barry D. Brown at 7:15 p.m. on July 26. Hollingshead is facing two second-degree felony charges of forgery – utters forged writing, as well as a third-degree misdemeanor charge of theft by deception – false impression.

Bail for Hollingshead was set at $15,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, Hollingshead was incarcerated at Elk County Prison.

A preliminary hearing for Hollingshead is scheduled to be held at 9 a.m. on Aug. 17 before Judge Martin.