Man faces jail time for allegedly passing counterfeit $100 bills in Middletown


Published: Friday, April 15, 2011; Last Updated: Fri. Apr 15, 2011, 11:21am


By WALT GOGOLYA, Press Staff

MIDDLETOWN - A 32-year-old New Jersey man, who may be in the U.S. illegally, will spend 60 days in jail after pleading guilty to passing fake $100 bills and fighting with a police officer.

Teodora Munoz pleaded guilty to third-degree forgery and interfering with an officer Friday in Middletown Superior Court. The forgery plea was made under the Alford Doctrine, meaning Munoz does not agree with all the facts of the case but would rather plead guilty than take his chances at a trial where he could face a harsher penalty if convicted.

Police were stopped by the owner of Connecticut Beverage Mart on Washington Street Feb. 19 at 3:15 p.m. The owner informed police that a Hispanic male had attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill in the store. The bill looked real but did not feel authentic, the man told police. He said the suspect attempted to use the bogus bill to purchase beer and soda in an attempt to receive authentic U.S currency as change.

Police caught up with Munoz in the parking lot of Home Depot on Washington Street. He attempted to flee, according to police.

While being detained, a fist fight broke out between Munoz and a police officer. After police warned him several times to cooperate, Munoz was struck twice with a police baton and put in handcuffs, according to police.

In his pocket, officers discovered a new pair of pliers along with a receipt from Home Depot. Munoz allegedly paid for the pliers with a bogus $100 bill and received $84.13 in change from the store. Police said the bill in question appeared to be real but did not contain a watermark.

Under questioning, Munoz reportedly told police he was in this country illegally and fought with police because he didn’t want to be deported, police said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement were notified of the situation and placed an immigration detainer on Munoz, which will keep him in custody while his case is pending.

During Friday's proceeding, Munoz's public defender said immigration officials will take over the case as soon as Munoz finishes serving his 60-day sentence.

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