Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Counterfeit Money Bust

Alexandria authorities recently arrested an individual who had money forging equipment in his possession and a small dose of methamphetamine. According to the official report, the man also had an active warrant on his name and was driving a car with false license plates.

Counterfeit Money and Drug Paraphernalia Discovered

According to an Alexandria Police Department spokesperson, on Monday afternoon, the traffic control agents monitoring the Nachman Elementary School area have stopped a suspect car drove by Matthew Joseph Fontanille.

Further investigations revealed that Fontanille was a wanted man, having an active contempt of court arrested warrant in his name.  Upon checking the vehicle, the authorities also discovered a large stash of counterfeit $20 bills and various equipment used for money forgery.

Apart from the large stash of fake $20 bills and forgery equipment, the law enforcement officers discovered a small dose of methamphetamine in the man’s pocket and drug paraphernalia in the car’s trunk.

To top it all off, according to the authorities, the license plates Fontanille was using were reported stolen several weeks ago. When confronted by the traffic monitoring officers, Fontanille refused to say where he got the equipment from or what he intended to do with the counterfeit money.

After the run-in with the police, Fontanille was arrested and charged with meth possession, failing to register a vehicle, driving without valid insurance, possession of drug equipment, and monetary instrument abuse.

The man was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and waiting for his trial. Alexandria Police Department also added that the Fontanille’s traffic stop has helped them put behind bars a potentially dangerous criminal.

Also, the man transporting counterfeit money equipment was pulled over after committing a minor traffic offense. The case is still under scrutiny.

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