Counterfeit suspect arrested after call from a victim

Darius Lavonne Sumrall

Law enforcement authorities were able to apprehend a man who had been passing counterfeit $50 and $100 dollar bills at businesses in Hattiesburg and Picayune thanks to a citizen who recognized the suspect and called the police.

Authorities stated that suspect would go into a store, get an item that didn't cost very much like $5.00 or $10.00, and then present a $50 or $100 counterfeit bill for payment and walk out with a large profit in each incident. The timeline in this case is detailed below from a press release by Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.

On September 12th, it was reported to Picayune Police that a black male suspect had passed a counterfeit $100.00 bill at a local business. Through further investigation, it was learned that the same suspect had passed similar bills in other cities on the same day.

On October 11th, another similar complaint was filed by two other businesses in Picayune that a black male had passed a counterfeit $50.00 bill and a counterfeit $100.00 bill. Using video surveillance footage, it was confirmed to be the same suspect from the previous incident in September.

On October 26th, a victim from a Hattiesburg business recognized the suspect and notified Hattiesburg Police and confirmed through video footage that it was the same suspect. Picayune detectives issued warrants for Darius Lavonne Sumrall, age 26, of 6264 Hwy 49, Hattiesburg, and on November 2nd, Sumrall was located by Hattiesburg Police and detained.

The next day, November 3rd, Sumrall was transported to the Picayune Police Department where he was booked on three counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Counterfeit Bank Notes.