Lafourche sheriff isues warning after Lockport counterfeit arrest

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is warning local businesses to take the proper precautions after a Lockport man was arrested last week for allegedly printing counterfeit bills.

Webre said employers should train workers on how to properly handle cash so that counterfeiting can be immediately identified, then reported to authorities.

The enhanced caution stems from March 3, when LPSO agents made contact with Jacob Chouest, 21, of Lockport, and conducted a search of his residence.

Once inside, authorities said they located several printers and other items commonly used in the printing of money. Authorities said they also found several copies of $20 bills, including some which had not yet been cut into individual bills.

Chouest was charged with two counts of monetary instrument abuse, as well as charges related to a gun being found on the location.

Authorities said the serial numbers on the counterfeit bills match the numbers of other bills that have been located in the area. Investigators are following up on those cases, and other arrests or charges may be forthcoming.

Webre said employees should be trained to use a counterfeit detector pen at the point of sale, so that all money changing hands can be authenticated before a purchase is complete.

The sheriff also said bills should be closely examined in a well-lit area to ensure that everything ‘looks right’ about the money. Webre said the texture of a counterfeit bill is often much different than an authentic one. •