Police: Man Tried to Use Counterfeit Bills in Lawrence

A Freeport man was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly tried to use counterfeit bills for a money transfer at a Lawrence convenience store, according to police.

Samuel Robinson, 61, went to on Rockaway Turnpike on Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m. and asked the cashier for a MoneyGram form, police said. He filled out the form and handed it back to the cashier. When asked for identification, Robinson produced a valid New York State Identification Card.

To process the transaction, Robinson gave 10 $100 bills to the cashier, according to police. After feeling the bills, the cashier realized that they were counterfeit. She then stepped away to another part of the store and called 911. Robinson, overhearing the conversation, fled the scene.

Robinson was located on Thursday and placed under arrest without incident.

He is charged with 10 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday in First District Court, Hempstead.