A recent arrest involving counterfeit money has shed light on a series of incidents in the Tradition area of Port St. Lucie. The suspect, Duane Everton Clarke, was taken into custody after allegedly using fake currency at several local businesses. Authorities have connected him to multiple cases, revealing an intricate web of fraudulent activity that spans different establishments and even states.

The investigation began when a suspicious bill was noticed at Clean Eatz, leading officers to Clarke, who possessed numerous counterfeit bills in various denominations. Further connections were made to earlier incidents at Tropical Smoothie and Subway. This case not only highlights the prevalence of counterfeit crimes but also emphasizes the importance of vigilance within communities.

Counterfeit Currency Incident Unfolds

In March, a peculiar situation unfolded in Port St. Lucie when a man was apprehended following accusations of using counterfeit $50 bills at local eateries. The initial incident occurred at Clean Eatz, where employees later identified discrepancies in the payment method used by the suspect. Upon further investigation, law enforcement linked this individual, Duane Everton Clarke, to additional counterfeit cases nearby.

Clarke's arrest followed an encounter at Clean Eatz, where he reportedly paid for coffee with a counterfeit note. A concerned employee flagged the issue after noticing similarities between this transaction and another reported instance at a neighboring business. Officers soon identified Clarke based on distinctive physical characteristics, including a noticeable limp. During questioning, Clarke admitted the bills seemed unusual but denied explicit knowledge of their counterfeit nature. Police discovered ten counterfeit bills in four different denominations on his person during a search. Moreover, they uncovered an outstanding forgery warrant from Arkansas, complicating Clarke's legal predicament.

Broader Implications of the Investigation

Beyond the immediate arrest, investigators delved deeper into Clarke's activities, uncovering links to prior counterfeit offenses. These connections extended beyond the initial incident, implicating Clarke in similar schemes at Tropical Smoothie and Subway within close proximity. The unfolding details revealed a pattern of behavior suggesting premeditated actions rather than isolated mistakes.

Law enforcement efforts succeeded in piecing together Clarke's movements and transactions through diligent investigative work. Serial numbers on one of the counterfeit bills matched records from a Fort Pierce Police case, although specific details remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations. Clarke faces eight felony charges related to possessing and circulating counterfeit money. As of the latest update, he remains incarcerated under a $35,000 bond at the St. Lucie County Jail. This case underscores the necessity for heightened awareness regarding counterfeit currency among both merchants and consumers, reinforcing the critical role of community cooperation in combating such criminal activities.