FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas basketball players Anton Beard, Dustin Thomas and Jacorey Williams were released from jail Thursday afternoon after each posted a $2,500 bond.
The three were arrested on forgery charges Wednesday by Fayetteville police, in cooperation with the Secret Service, as part of a two-month investigation into the passing of counterfeit money.
Beard, Thomas and Williams face arraignment hearings on Aug. 24 in Washington County Circuit Court. Police suspect the players of first-degree forgery, based on the preliminary arrest report, but formal charges have not been filed.
"We've been working hand in hand with local agencies," said Brian Marr, the agent in charge of the Secret Service in Arkansas. "We're trying to find out where the bills were manufactured."
Prosecuting attorney Matt Durrett said it was likely the case would remain in Northwest Arkansas.
"Typically in a case where the allegations are fake bills, normally that will stay," Durrett said. "There are times when the U.S. Attorney's office will take it. They can assume jurisdiction. You usually see that in major counterfeiting cases where you see mass production of bills."
The three players, who have been suspended indefinitely , were arrested after agreeing to meet with officers Wednesday at police headquarters. All were caught on surveillance video passing counterfeit money at three area businesses, according to the arrest report.
Beard is suspected of nine counts of first-degree forgery, while Thomas is suspected of two counts and Williams one, police say. First-degree forgery is a Class B felony in Arkansas and can carry penalties of 5 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000 upon conviction.
Police suspect the three of passing 13 bills at three area businesses on July 17-18. According to the arrest report, Beard exchanged six counterfeit $50 bills for three $100 bills and passed four counterfeit $20 bills while buying tobacco products and other merchandise.
Thomas passed two counterfeit $20 bills buying tobacco and merchandise, and Williams passed one counterfeit $20 for merchandise, the report states.
The arrests are the first for the Arkansas men's basketball team under Coach Mike Anderson, who has coached the Razorbacks the past four seasons. Williams will be a senior this fall, Beard will be a sophomore and Thomas, a transfer from Colorado, is sitting out this season.
Sports on 07/24/2015