Several Arrests Made After Counterfeit Money Found in Westport

Three men have been charged with forgery after police say they attempted to purchase merchandise at a Westport business with counterfeit bills.

Carlos Feliciano, 27, of Corona, NY, Pedro Diaz, 38, of Brooklyn, NY, and Jorge Chaves-Vargas, 37, of Frederick, MD were charged with the following on Nov. 23 at approximately 3:28 p.m.

• First-degree forgery
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery
• Sixth-degree larceny
• Conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny

According to police, an employee from Olympia Sports, 403 Post Road East, Westport reported that a male was attempting to pay for merchandise with what the employee believed to be a counterfeit $100 bill. 

The employee would not accept the bill after noticing it was counterfeit and the suspect left the bill behind and fled the scene. The employee provided a description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle to police and it was located on Compo Road North shortly after the crime occurred, according to police.

Officers determined the suspects attempted to pass counterfeit bills at Olympia Sports and CVS, both on the Post Road. The incident is still under investigation and the Westport Police Department is working closely with the United States Secret Service to develop information on the extent of the suspects’ criminal activities, according to police.

The men are currently being held at the Westport Police Department on $50,000 bond.