A counterfeiting investigation is underway in Northwest Missouri after the failed purchase of a car with bogus $100 bills. St Joseph Police Captain Matt Rock says a 29-year-old Gower man was arrested Sunday.

“He had five $100 counterfeit bank notes which he passed to another individual in payment for a vehicle,” Rock said. That transaction fell apart and the victim got his car back.

After expiration of the 24-hour investigative hold the suspect was released without a charge being filed.  

Rock says the case is still under investigation and is under review by the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office as well as agents of the U.S. Secret Service.

By mid-day Wednesday no charges had been filed in the case.