SIDNEY — On Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at approximately 11:10 a.m. investigators and officers from the Sidney Police Department and from the United States Secret Service executed an investigative search warrant at 615 Sixth Ave., Sidney Ohio.

This warrant was a result of a four month sequence of 19 occurrences to where counterfeit money had been circulated in the Sidney community, starting around mid-August of 2016. Recovered during the search was evidence linking the 615 Sixth Ave. residence to the production of at least three of the 19 occurrences.

As a result of the search warrant, police arrested Robert L Barga, age 40, who resides at the 615 Sixth Ave. address. Barga was charged with four counts of forgery and one count of possession of criminal tools all felonies of the fifth-degree. As a result of the charges Barga was incarcerated at the Shelby County Jail.

This investigation is still active and ongoing. It is believed that other individuals may be involved and future charges will be reviewed by the Shelby County Prosecutor.

There may be other persons or businesses who have been unknowingly victimized by receiving some of the counterfeit money involved in this recent circulation. It is suggested that everyone handling and receiving money, especially because of the greater volume of shopping due to the holidays, take the extra time to double check the money they are receiving to ensure that it is genuine.

If anyone believes they have received some money that is fake or if they have information regarding this recent sequence of circulation to call the Sidney Police Department at 937-498-2351.