The State College Police Department is currently investigating a Jan. 5 incident involving a series of counterfeit Visa Travelers Cheques.

According to a press release, between 5:52 p.m. and 7 p.m., a male suspect made small purchases in businesses around College Township and used counterfeit $100 Visa Travelers Cheques to pay for them and received change in return.

"Forgery is a felony," State College police Sgt. Mark Argiro said. "If convicted of all these offenses it could be up to a $10,000 fine and 10 years in prison."

Argiro said the suspect used the counterfeit checks at numerous locations including Sheetz, 2000 East College Ave., Barnes and Noble, 365 Benner Pike, and two stores at the Nittany Mall. The estimated stolen sum of money is $450.

All stores gave a similar description of the suspect who used the counterfeit checks Argiro said.

In addition to the State College incidents, Patton Township Police Detective Rich Saupp said the suspect also used counterfeit checks at the Wal-Mart, 1665 N. Atherton St., and another Sheetz, 1781 N. Atherton St.

Police said the suspect is described as a black male, 40 to 50 years old, about six feet tall with a stocky build and beard and was travelling a silver four-door Ford Supercrew pick-up truck.

According to the polices' press release, there was also an unknown black male driver in the truck.

The State College Police Department is currently looking for any information on the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call State College Police at 234-7150.