An investigation by detectives of the Benton Police Department concerning multiple reports of counterfeit money being passed to local businesses has led to the arrest of two Benton residents. Detectives received information that 27-year-old Franklin Paul “PJ” Hill was possibly involved with the printing and selling of counterfeit money at 2449 Cary Drive in Benton.
Detectives, in conjunction with Arkansas Probation and Parole officers made contact with Hill at the residence on Cary Drive. During a search of the home, detectives located firearms, packaged suspected methamphetamine, packaged suspected marijuana, suspected marijuana plants, counterfeit money, and items commonly used in the printing of counterfeit money.
Benton detectives are working with the U.S. Secret Service on this ongoing investigation and additional arrests could be forthcoming.
Hill was taken into custody and transported to the Saline County Detention Center. He faces charges of:
- 1st degree Forgery, class B felony;
- Criminal Possession of Forgery Device, class C felony;
- Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver, class A felony;
- Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver, class D felony;
- Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, class Y felony;
- Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, class B felony;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, class D felony;
- Unauthorized Use of Property to Facilitate a Crime, class B felony;
- Manufacturing of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, class A misdemeanor;
- 2nd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, class A misdemeanor;
Kayla E. Skinner, 27, of Benton was also taken into custody at the residence on Cary Drive and transported to the Saline County Detention Center. Skinner faces charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, class D felony; Manufacturing of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, class A misdemeanor; and 2nd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
Anyone with information about the suspects, the incident, or similar incidents, is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on iTunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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