MEDIA RELEASE

Chase K. Tam

Big Island police have charged two men in connection with an investigation into the manufacturing and passing of counterfeit U.S. currency in the Hilo area.

On November 19 at about 10:38 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers arrested 24-year-old Chase K. Tam of Hilo and 27-year-old Alexander M. Barnett of Keaʻau on multiple counts of forgery after they were identified as allegedly using counterfeit currency for payment at a Hilo gas station.

Tam was charged Monday evening (November 21) with one count each of first-degree forgery and third-degree theft. His bail was set at $5,500 and he made his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in South Hilo District Court. On the same day, Barnett was released pending additional investigation.

Alexander M. Barnett

On Wednesday (November 24), detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section arrested Barnett again after their investigation uncovered information and evidence not known prior to his release on Monday. Barnett was charged Thursday afternoon (November 24) with 36 counts of first-degree forgery. His bail was set at $360,000. He made his initial appearance Friday afternoon in South Hilo District.