Two Ohio Residents Arrested Locally for Forgery

Federal authorities have joined the investigation after an arrest of two Ohio residents in Effingham County on forgery charges.

Todd Ebbert, who heads investigations for the Effingham Police Department, said the Effingham department received a message from Vandalia authorities that someone was believed to be in the area passing counterfeit $100 bills.  Ebbert said two suspects are accused of attempting to pass the bogus bills at the Phillips 66 convenience store on West Fayette Avenue about 9:30pm Tuesday.  City police responded to the report and arrested 39-year-old Eric J. McCullom of Columbus, Ohio and 22-year-old Lindsey N. Whaley of Greenfield, Ohio on charges of forgery.

In addition, Altamont police have arrested Whaley on a charge of forgery for allegedly trying to pass a bogus $100 at the local Subway Restaurant there on Tuesday.

Ebbert said US Secret Service officials were in Effingham Wednesday, working with local officials to determine who is printing the bogus bills.  He expects the investigation will lead to the filing of federal charges through the US Attorney's Office.

McCullom and Whaley were also arrested by Effingham officers on drug charges; McCullom on possession of cannabis and Whaley on possession of a controlled substance, possession of hypodermic needles and possession of cannabis.

McCullom was also cited for driving on a suspended license.