Police Chief Accused In Funny Money Case

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

FAIRLAND, OK -- A Green Country police chief is fired after authorities say he tried to pass counterfeit hundred dollar bills.  William Moore, now the former head of the Fairland Police Department in Ottawa County, is also being investigated by the United States Secret Service.

Police say Moore was actually caught on surveillance tape using the counterfeit bills while dressed in his police uniform.

Billy Moore had only been tiny Fairland's police chief for a few months.  He is now out of a job, and facing a Secret Service investigation.

"It certainly is disappointing," said Vinita Assistant Chief Of Police Barry Armstrong.

Barry Armstrong says his department was contacted after a clerk received four counterfeit $100 bills at a Vinita Wal-Mart on October 17th.  Police reviewed the surveillance video, and according to a report, the officer recognized the man to a Fairland, Oklahoma police officer and possibly the chief.

Authorities say the man was wearing his pistol in a holder, along with a polo police shirt with "Fairland" embroidered on it.

"He was on Wal-Mart surveillance video in his police department uniform, and they have him on video presenting money to the clerk," said Vinita Assistant Chief Of Police Barry Armstrong.

Vinita Police confirmed that the money used was counterfeit, and turned it over to the Secret Service.

According to police, the counterfeit $100 bills Moore tried to pass actually all had the same serial number, no watermark, and no security strips.

Police say the money was placed on a pre-paid Visa Card.  According to a credit card statement obtained from Wal-Mart, the card was used on October 16th, 18th, 20th and November 1st.  More than $780 was charged to the Visa.

Vinita Police say because a police officer is involved, the allegations are particularly upsetting.

"It's certainly disappointing that anyone involved in law enforcement would be involved in passing counterfeit money. We don't like to see that in our profession," said Vinita Assistant Chief Of Police Barry Armstrong.

The News On 6 was unable to get in touch with Billy Moore.  The Secret Service says it cannot comment about ongoing investigations.  But, agents say it is extremely rare for anyone in law enforcement, especially in Oklahoma, to be involved in counterfeiting.

Related story:

11/25/2008  Acting Fairland Police Chief Fired