Ad offering 'Legit counterfeit $$' leads to arrest

A Crimeline tip about an online ad promising "Legit Counterfeit $$" led to the arrest last week of a Merritt Island man on federal charges.

Tony Jerome Torbert Jr., 20, was charged with possession of counterfeit currency with intent to defraud, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence in federal prison. He was arraigned on Friday and released on bond.

According to a news release from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Crimeline received a tip in February about a person claiming to sell counterfeit currency in an online Craigslist ad with the heading "Legit Counterfeit $$."

The sheriff's office Economic Crimes Unit conducted three undercover purchases, and Torbert was arrested in the middle of a fourth sale.

As Torbert was being arrested, deputies with a search warrant entered his home and seized a printer, a computer and counterfeit currency.

Agents from the U.S. Secret Service were called in and assisted county investigators in closing out the investigation.