BELFAST — The Secret Service is investigating a counterfeit bill used in a Belfast convenience store Jan. 12, according to Detective Gerald Lincoln, of the Belfast Police Department.

Adam Damon, 28, of Stockton Springs, was arrested following an investigation into the counterfeit $100 bill, which was used to purchase small, inexpensive items at the Northport Avenue store.

The bill was reported to Belfast Police Jan. 13, after staff discovered it and there is reportedly video from a security camera that shows Damon passing the bill.

Damon is charged with felony theft by deception as a result of the incident. The charge would typically be a misdemeanor but has been elevated to a felony due to prior theft convictions.

When asked, Damon denied knowing that the bill was counterfeit when he used it.

The Secret Service is always notified when counterfeit is used, and agents from their Portland office will continue to investigate the origin of the fraudulent bill and whether others are circulating in the area.

Lincoln said that although the bill was used, it was not well done. While he said a quick glance might be passable, the note was missing many of the security features, including the holographic elements of current paper currency in the U.S.

There have been no other reports of counterfeit bills being used in the Belfast area, according to Lincoln.

Damon is expected to appear in Waldo County Unified Criminal Court Feb. 23.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com