SALEM — Salem police have identified a  17 year old male juvenile from rural Jefferson County as the person of interest in the case of counterfeit $20 bills being circulated in Salem on Tuesday.

According to Salem Police Chief Sean Reynolds, the investigation is still ongoing and charges pending. Reynolds says much credit can be given to Detective Green, who spent countless hours working on the case.

Reynolds also thanked the public for sharing surveillance photos of the suspect and for providing law enforcement with tips and information as they attempted to identify the suspect.

An investigator from the Salem Police Department has been in contact with the suspect, but no arrest has been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing and charges pending.

The Salem PD released numerous surveillance photos of the subject they believe passed several counterfeit $20 at local businesses Tuesday.

Salem PD had earlier reported the counterfeit currency had not been detected until the businesses made their bank deposits on Wednesday.

Police report that all of the bills contained the same series number 2013-E5 and the same serial number ME18993462A. Please examine any $20 bills you receive and look for these series and serial numbers.

This is the second time in just over a week that Salem businesses have fallen victims to counterfeit currency. At the end of June, Reynolds reported the circulation of counterfeit $100 bills in the area. He said those bills did not have the safety strip and when examined closely it was apparent they were not centered on the paper. He says the color was also slightly off.

If someone tries to pass one of these counterfeit bills, please contact the Salem Police Department at 548-2232.