Just after midnight Wednesday morning, Youngstown police say 20-year-old Jessica Schmidt and 30-year-old Joseph Daviduk attempted to use a fake $50 bill at the Handle Bar on Mahoning Avenue. The bartender refused the cash and then quickly notified surrounding businesses, like the Circle K just up the street. "Because of a call from my girl, because of my girl being on top of the ball, we got someone off the streets passing bad bills to business owners," said Ken Bullen, owner of The Handle Bar.
Police say Daviduk and Schmidt, both Youngstown residents, then attempted to use fake $5 bills at the Circle K. The attendant deemed the cash fake and called the police. "And then the police were able to get involved and through investigative efforts, were actually able to locate and apprehend these people, which does not happen a lot of the time when you're dealing with counterfeit bills," said Capt. Ken Centorame from the Youngstown Police Department.
Officers searched bars along Mahoning Avenue before locating the couple at the My Way Lounge, where they were arrested. The two have now been charged with the misdemeanor of Criminal Simulation. Employees at Best Oil gas station across the street from the Circle K say they've also received counterfeit money within the last week. Police are asking anyone that recognizes the two suspects or has received fake money to notify them at 330-747-7911.
"We have a small little community. Youngstown, we need to stick together and try to help each other out. If you know somebody is passing bills, call the next place up the street and let them know. Say, 'Hey, I just got a bad bill. So watch out for these.' Because they're going to go to the next place," Bullen said.
Daviduk and Schmidt are expected in court Thursday morning.
