Staff Reports
Two teens were arrested on counterfeiting charges after State Police got word of someone trying to pass funny money at Smokin Joes.
Police said they received a complaint Nov. 19 of someone passing the counterfeit money at the Wheatfield business. An investigation led them to Matthew M. Hodge, 16, of Day Road, and Edward A. Koban, II, 16, of Reger Drive, in Lockport.
Police said the two teens manufactured about $150 in counterfeit U.S. currency on a home scanner.
Hodge and Koban were each charged with first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, a class C felony, said Becky Gibbons of the New York State Police.
In addition, Adam R. Flick, 18, of Akron Street, was charged with making a false written statement, a misdemeanor, for denying his involvement during the investigation, Gibbons said.
