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Inmate told judge to ‘keep the change’ during bond hearing. But, judge says he couldn’t

Patrick Alexander Inmate told judge to ‘keep the change’ during bond hearing. But, judge says he couldn’t (Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office)

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, SC — What started as a bond hearing for one inmate quickly led to him staying in jail and facing new charges.

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The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina said the incident happened Monday at the Chesterfield County Detention Center.

Officials say Patrick Alexander, 33, of Mississippi, had just been granted a $250 bond on a trespassing charge. After receiving his personal belongings, Alexander reportedly pulled out a wad of cash, sorted through it, and handed the judge three $100 bills, totaling $300, telling the judge to ‘keep the change.’

However, instead of accepting the money, the judge noticed something was off and stated, He could not keep the change.’

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Authorities say the bills appeared to have an unusual color. When the judge looked closer, he reportedly saw Chinese writing on the back of the cash.

A detention officer then used a counterfeit detection pen, which indicated the bills were fake.

Alexander was informed the money was counterfeit, and the judge instructed that the cash be held as evidence.

As a result, Alexander now faces an additional charge of forgery related to counterfeit money. Officials say a warrant was obtained and served while he remained in custody at the detention center.

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