The Pike County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the passing of counterfeit $1 bills at a local convenience store.

“It took place June 1 at Ward’s Grocery,” said Lt. Sam Mallory. “The suspect passed the $1 bills as he was making a purchase … and when the clerk was counting his till at the end of the shift he realized the money didn’t look right.”

Upon closer investigation, the clerk discovered the bills all had the same serial number, Mallory said.

“We do have a suspect in the case, and we are working to make an arrest,” he added.

Mallory said Ward’s was the only store to report the counterfeit bills and investigators believe the clerk used the purchase as a test. “He was testing the waters to see if he could get away with it,” Mallory said.

The case remains under investigation.