Sumter Times

We want to share an arrest with you that took place on Wednesday, March 16th.

A Sumter County Deputy responded to a call at the Dollar General in Bushnell regarding a counterfeit bill. Upon arrival, the Deputy spoke to the store clerk who advised two individuals attempted to pay with counterfeit bills. The clerk informed the individuals the bills were counterfeit when the male party identified later as James Lacy advised he received the bills from the Rodeway Inn also located in Bushnell.

The Deputy continued her investigation and responded to the Rodeway Inn, where the clerk advised they did not give any cash to either party but did confirm both were staying at the establishment.

Later, the same Deputy while on routine patrol observed a white pick-up truck driven by James Randall Lacy fail to stop at a stop sign resulting in a traffic stop.

The deputy immediately recognized Mr. Lacy as the suspect from the Dollar General that had attempted to pass the counterfeit money earlier. The Deputy ran Mr. Lacy and quickly discovered he had an active warrant from the US Marshals for failure to appear on a probation violation for passing counterfeit notes.

Additional Deputies arrived to assist with the investigation. Deputy Buxton walked his narcotics certified K9 Saro around the white pick-up truck, which resulted in a positive alert. The occupants were removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted, during the vehicle search a computer printer was found behind the passenger’s side seat and various $20 notes that appeared to be counterfeit.

Based on the items located in the vehicle an additional deputy went to the hotel room, as it was suspected they were printing the money within the room. The witness who rented the room granted deputies access, where items used to produce counterfeit money were located. Both Lacy and DeHart were taken into custody and booked in to the Sumter County Detention Center without incident.

Additional charges may be pending.

James Lacy and Beonca Dehart were arrested and charged as follows:

Lacy: Two counts of passing counterfeited bill and an out of county warrant from the US Marshals

DeHart: Passing counterfeited bill, possession tools for forgery/counterfeiting, possession of drug equipment.

Original source can be found here.