Columbia Postal Worker Tried to Use Fake Bills, Sheriff Says

A worker at the Dutch Fork Post Office was arrested Thursday after he allegedly tried to purchase merchandise with counterfeit money, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. 

Investigators arrested 45-year-old Richard Houghtallen at the post office located at 1120 Briargate Circle. Houghtallen was charged with breach of trust.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Houghtallen attempted to buy items using counterfeit money at Dunkin Donuts located at 1522 Two Notch Road on Thursday.

Investigators were able to determine that Houghtallen supplied the counterfeit money, according to the department. 

Investigators with the sheriff’s department along with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Service obtained a warrant and searched Houghtallen’s home and found more than $10,000 in counterfeit money.

Houghtallen was arrested while at work with more than $250 in counterfeit money in his pocket and an additional $100 in his car.        

He allegedly took the counterfeit currency from envelopes that were being mailed by local banks to the U.S. Secret Service

Houghtallen has been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.