By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News
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SULLIVAN COUNTY-  A Sullivan County Sheriff's Office counterfeit money investigation has landed a Posey County man in jail

Justin Abbott , 28,  of Cynthiana, was booked into the Sullivan County Monday on charges of fraud/counterfeit. a Level 6 felony and auto theft, a Level 6 felony. His bond was set at $16,000.

Abbott was taken into custody in Vincennes and transported back to Sullivan County to face the charges.

The investigation began in mid-December, when the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from the Sunoco gas station on W. Wolfe Street, in reference to a male individual paying for merchandise with suspected counterfeit money, Sheriff Clark Cottom explained.

Lt. Bill Snead recovered a $100 counterfeit bill from the gas station and reviewed surveillance video showing the transaction.

Further investigation revealed the suspect allegedly used  fake money for other purchases in the area.

According to Cottom, a separate report on counterfeiting was made by an individual later that day who had sold an ATV via Facebook Marketplace.

"The buyer handed out $1600, in bills, which were later determined to be counterfeit," Cottom said, noting the similarities pointed to the same suspect, later identified as Abbott.

Photos courtesy of Sullivan Co. Sheriff's Office

SULLIVAN- A diner in Sullivan is a complete loss following a blaze tonight.

Sullivan City and County fire crews were still at the scene at 7:30 p.m,  battling a fully involved fire at the Old 41 Diner, located on N. Section Street, Sheriff Clark Cottom explained.

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Dispatch received the initial call at 5:20 p.m. reporting heavy smoke coming from the structure.

Extreme heat prevented firefighters from gaining entry upon arrival, Cottom said.

No one was inside the diner when the fire started. No injuries are reported.


"The Indiana State fire Marshall’s office will be called to help better determine the cause and origin of the fire. 
N. Section Street remains closed Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area," Cottom said.

Several agencies responded to the fire. Units on the scene include: Sullivan City Fire Dept, Thunderbird Fire Department, Sullivan City Police, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and SCAT ambulance.