A 35-year-old Adairsville man is facing serious charges after allegedly using counterfeit currency to pay for a vehicle during a private sale, according to local authorities. Russell Dan Evans, 35, has been identified as the suspect in the case and is now charged with first-degree forgery.

The incident unfolded on June 5, when police were dispatched to a residence around 11:09 a.m. following a report of suspected theft involving fraudulent payment. The victim informed officers that she had entered into a civil agreement with a friend to sell her 2004 Jeep Cherokee for $1,500. The arrangement allowed for payments over time, with the understanding that the vehicle’s title would only be transferred once the full payment was made.

According to the police report, the buyer—accompanied by Russell Dan Evans—arrived at the victim’s home on the day of the incident. The victim stated that Evans informed her they had arrived to complete the transaction. She met them outside, accepted a $600 payment, and in return, handed over the vehicle’s title.

Shortly after the exchange, the victim made a startling discovery: $500 of the $600 payment consisted of counterfeit $100 bills. She immediately contacted Evans, who reportedly denied that the money was fake. The victim later provided police with messages exchanged with Evans through Facebook Messenger, where he had sent photos of the money—but only of the one $100 bill that was genuine.

Police collected the $500 in counterfeit bills, which have been submitted as evidence and placed in evidence locker H004. Evans awaits further legal proceedings regarding the forgery charge.