LEWISTON – Since the start of spring, police and government agents have been investigating counterfeit money being passed around the city.

The investigation continued all summer, with Lewiston police and the U.S. Secret Service generating lead after lead to the origin of the funny money. As they investigated, more bogus bills turned up at local businesses.

Now, a local man is awaiting court action after he was charged with aggravated forgery, and police say more than $14,000 in bogus bills has been recovered.

Last week, 29-year-old Byron Smith of Montello Street was arrested on the felony charge. Police say Smith is responsible for thousands of dollars in counterfeit cash being distributed through local businesses.

Investigators said the fake bills were passed at corner stores, restaurants and coffee shops around the city.

They did not say what specific leads led to Smith as the primary suspect in the counterfeiting scheme. Police also implied that Smith may not have acted alone. The case remains under investigation and more arrests are likely, police said.

Smith has since posted bail and was freed from the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn.