A Harlandale School District high school student is paying for a real life lesson in crime and punishment. Jose Roberto Rodriguez was arrested Tuesday on forgery and counterfeit charges. It's alleged the 17-year-old was printing fake cash from the computer in his bedroom.
According to an arrest warrant, Harlandale officials became aware of the funny money when one of the suspect's friends tried to pass off a fake $10 bill in the cafeteria at McCollum High School. It reportedly happened on February 26. The warrant said the boy claimed Rodriguez gave him the phony $10.
The arrest document said investigators interviewed their suspect four days later. He allegedly confessed to manufacturing and giving his friend the counterfeit money. The teen also reportedly told police he had more fake cash at his home and the printer he used to make it.
According to investigators, they went to Rodriguez's home in the 1200 block of Drury, where they found the cash and computer equipment. The warrant said police found a $10, three $20s, and a $100 imitation C-note. They seized the equipment and the fake money.
Rodriguez is being held on a $5,000 bond. The teen also has an immigration hold on him.
