Trio tries to use visibly small, fake $100 bill, police say

Police arrested three people downtown Wednesday in connection with reports of attempted use of counterfeit money.

Madison police said officers responded to a report of a fake $100 bill at Burnie’s Rock Shop on East Johnson Street at about 2 p.m.

Police said officers made contact with Franca Wheeler, 18, of Cottage Grove, and Tracey Franklin, 43, with no permanent address, outside the store. According to the report, Wheeler was carrying the faux $100 bill in her pants, which police said was about 25-percent smaller than a real bill. Police said Franklin had merchandise she shoplifted from the rock shop.

A third person, 19-year-old Jermaine Bradley Jr., ran from police but was arrested after a short foot chase, the report noted.

Franklin was arrested on suspicion of attempted fraud, possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft, police said.

Wheeler was arrested on suspicion of party to attempted theft and Bradley was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest and bail jumping, according to the report.

Employees at Madison Food Mart and Cork N Bottle, also on East Johnson Street told police the women attempted to pass the phony $100 bill during transactions.