Lang
8/1/21
A northwest Iowa man faces charges that he tried to use counterfeit money at a downtown Iowa City live music club.
Iowa City Police received a report of a man passing counterfeit currency at El Ray’s Live and Dive on Iowa Avenue just before 12:15 Saturday morning. Bar staff gave investigators a fake $100 bill and a driver’s license belonging to 19-year-old Mason Harms of Estherville. They also pointed out Harms as he was walking away, heading towards Joe’s Place. Police say the bill was an obvious fake.
Officers caught up with Harms in a Joe’s Place restroom. Police say he initially said he had no idea why an officer would stop him, but later admitted to an issue with the $100 bill.
Harms allegedly showed signs of intoxication and gave differing stories about how he obtained the fake $100 bill. He was also allegedly found in possession of a fake ID.
Harms was arrested and charged with Forgery, Public Intoxication, Possession of a Fake ID and Providing False Identity Information. If convicted on all charges, Harms faces a maximum of over six years in prison.