Justin Robert Fontecchio
The Paso Robles Police arrested a man accused of passing phony money throughout the city.
According to PRPD, officers arrested Justin Robert Fontecchio on Tuesday at approximately 10:37 a.m.
Fontecchio is suspected to have participated in a rash of counterfeit currency transactions of $10 and $20 occurring at the CVS Drugstore, Taco Bell and Walmart in Paso Robles.
PRPD investigators have been searching for the counterfeiter since June 15. There have been at least eight separate incidents of counterfeit currency being passed at area business. Investigators are still working to identify other potential co-conspirators involved in these crimes.
Fontecchio was recognized by an officer who recently investigated a counterfeit case at CVS and reviewed surveillance footage of the suspect. The officer stopped Fontecchio as he was walking near the 100 block of Niblick Road.
Fontecchio subsequently assaulted the officer by punching him in the face during the escape attempt.
The assaulted officer also sustained a minor injury to his hand while subduing Fontecchio and was treated for minor injuries.
Fontecchio was transported and booked into SLO County Jail for first and second degree burglary, several counts of possession of forged or counterfeit items, felony auto theft, resisting arrest and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
He is being held on a $50,000 bail.
