Clerk Accepts Fake $200 Bill

Wufaded · Sep 1st, 2004, 05:06 PM

Store Clerk Accepts $200 Bill

GREENSBURG, PA-September 1, 2004 — Pennsylvania state police aren't laughing about the person who passed some funny money – a $200 bill with President George W. Bush's picture on it – at a women's clothing store.

Police on Wednesday charged Deborah Trautwine, 51, of Jeannette, with theft by deception, for allegedly passing a bogus $200 bill at the Fashion Bug store in Hempfield Plaza on Aug. 22.

There is no such denomination, even without Bush's picture on it.

Police said they didn't know how the clerk was taken in by the ruse, even though several other things about the bill should have been a dead giveaway.

Among other things, the bill had a hokey serial number – DUBYA4U2001 – and didn't bear the signature of the Secretary of the Treasurer. Instead, the bill was "signed" by Ronald Reagan, whose title was "Political Mentor" and by Bush's father, who is listed as "Campaign Advisor and Mentor."

The back of the bill was even goofier.

It depicts the White House with several signs erected on the lawn, including those reading "We Like Broccoli" and "USA Deserves A Tax Cut."

Trautwine's mother said she wasn't immediately available for comment Wednesday, and declined to provide her work telephone number.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Last Updated: Sep 1, 2004