An Atmore man was arrested early Saturday morning for possessing approximately $1,000 of counterfeit 20-dollar bills.

Robert Lowery, 34, of Atmore, was arrested outside of the Kangaroo gas station on Highway 31 at around 3:30 a.m. after the station’s store clerk gave APD Sgt. Shaun Golden a “weird” look.

Golden was patrolling the area.

“I got out to investigate and noticed the subject (Lowery) walking fast out of the store,” Golden said. “Then, I found the money.”

Golden said the serial numbers were the same on the money.

Lowery has been charged with possession of a forged instrument I (counterfeit currency), and was transported to the Escambia County Correctional Facility. Criminal possession of a forged instrument I is a class B felony. Class B felonies are punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.

APD Chief Chuck Brooks said there had been some businesses that received the counterfeit money before Lowery’s arrest.

Brooks said the Chevron gas station on South Main Street was one of the businesses.

Golden said if anyone comes in contact with counterfeit money, to contact the APD at 251-368-9141.

The case has been turned over to the U.S. Secret Service, which investigates cases involving counterfeit U.S. currency, U.S. treasury securities and major fraud.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Lowery had not been called up to the judge for arraignment.