Deputies have arrested four people they say have been circulating counterfeit money in Wayne County. 

Rochester residents Candice Smith, Essence House and Christopher Sherman, along wiith Arthur Blay of New Hampshire, are all charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and conspiracy.

That foursome is accused of taking one dollar bills, bleaching them reprinting them as $50 bills to try and use at various businesses. 

Investigators say the suspects successfully used the counterfeit money at four stores in Wayne County within a couple of days. They allegedly made minimal purchases and would get the change for the counterfeit 50s.

It was at a fifth store that the clerk suspected it was counterfeit money. Once the store manager confront of the suspect, she fled the store, but not before vehicle description was taken. A deputy spotted the car and the four suspects inside, along with the counterfeit money. 

Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts says there may be more counterfeit 50s circulating that were used at other businesses that don’t even know it.

If anyone suspects they have a counterfeit 50, it will be missing the security thread and watermark. Anyone who notices this is encouraged to contact authorities.

The four suspects face additional charges as this investigation continues. They’re being held on bail in the Wayne County Jail.