Florissant man accused of using movie money to make purchases
ST. LOUIS – A Florissant man will appear in court next month for allegedly using movie prop currency to buy goods in the Central West End.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s probable cause statement, the incidents happened on July 28, Aug. 4, and Aug. 5.
Police said Phillip L. Dotson, 54, went to businesses on North Euclid Avenue and used the phony money. The incidents were recorded on surveillance video.
Dotson was arrested on Aug. 19. Police said Dotson was found in possession of five $100 bills which read “''FOR MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES,'' ''THIS IS NOT A LEGAL TENDER,'' and ''IN PROP WE TRUST.''
The prop bills were similar to the fake money used in the prior incidents, police said.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Dotson with three counts of misdemeanor stealing. Dotson was issued a criminal summons and ordered to appear before a judge on Thursday, Sept. 18.
