NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - A 20-year old Utica man has been charged in New Hartford after police say he tried to pass counterfeit money at Staples in Consumer Square.

The New Hartford Police Department say they arrested Mohammad Masood Bahrami, 20, of Utica, and charged him with one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, and one count of petit larceny, after an investigation into the passing of a counterfeit twenty dollar bill at Staples.

Shortly after Bahrami handed over the twenty-dollar bill and leaving Staples, the store manager took down the license plate number and description of the vehicle that Bahrami left in.

The vehicle description and plate number were broadcast to local police agencies and a short while later Utica Police observed the vehicle on Hopper Street, and pulled it over.

After the vehicle was stopped, Bahrami was taken into custody by New Hartford Police.

Evidence and proceeds of the crime were located inside Bahrami’s vehicle, and the car was then impounded at the New Hartford Police Department.

Bahrami was sent to the New Hartford Police Station where he was processed and arraigned before a Town Judge.

Bahrami was sent to the Oneida County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

Also seized from Bahrami’s apartment were a computer and scanner and a large amount of additional counterfeit twenty-dollar bills.

Police say the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be levied.

If any one suspects that they have received a counterfeit bill they may contact Investigator Salamone at 733-6666.