Cops: Miami-Dade men used fake money through Keys

Two Miami-Dade men are accused of possessing several thousands of dollars in fake money.

Arrested and taken to Monroe County Jail: Rafael Dominguez, 19, and Rolando Rodriguez, 20.

The investigation began Tuesday night when Keys deputies were called to a Circle K gas station at mile marker 99. The clerk said someone had used a counterfeit $20 bill to pay for a soda. Deputies with the Monroe Sheriff’s Office traced the fake money to people in a black Honda.

“Upon questioning, Dominguez admitted to having counterfeit money in the center console of the vehicle, below the stereo,” according to Monroe sheriff’s spokeswoman Becky Herrin. “A total of $2,720 was found in that location. Further investigation revealed the group had been traveling throughout the Keys stopping at convenience stores and using the bills to buy small things.”

In the back seat of the car, deputies said they found sodas, juice bottles, dog treats and chewing gum.

The men were charged with counterfeiting with intent to defraud, possession of more than 10 counterfeit bulls, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana. A 16-year-old girl with them was not charged.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Cops: Miami-Dade men used fake money through Keys."