Man Steals Motorcycle With Counterfeit Cash

Here’s a different type of theft. This happened over the weekend in Cocke County. Caleb Whitten of Newport told the Cocke County Sheriff’s office that he had posted a 1996 black Honda JH2 motorcycle online for sale. Whitten says that 30 year old Jessie Herring came to his home and took the motorcycle for a test ride, then returned to the home and handed Whitten $2900 in cash to pay for the motorcycle. The payment was made with twenty $100 bills.

When Jessie Herring rode away with the bike, Whitten says he realized that the $100 bills he received were all counterfeit. After he called 911, a Newport police officer spotted Herring and the motorcycle on West Broadway. Herring then led the officer on a high speed chase before Herring crossed the line into Jefferson County where the pursuit was ended. Herring is being charged with Criminal Simulation due to being in possession of Counterfeit Money, and Theft of property over $2500.00. Both are felonies.