A preliminary hearing is scheduled for a Shinnston police officer accused of trying to use fake money.

David Matheny, 30, of Grafton is charged with counterfeiting, a felony. He's scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing in front of Magistrate Keith Marple on Monday, May 17.

If convicted, Matheny faces two to 10 years in prison.

Bridgeport Police Detective Sgt. Gary Weaver says Matheny tried to use a fake $100 bill at the Charles Point Exxon on April 15.

When police arrived, Matheny told them he didn't know the bill was fake and that he got it from his father's Clarksburg business.

An investigation revealed that Matheny, while working for Shinnston Police, recovered the bill on July 30 from a Shinnston business and took a report that it was counterfeit. The serial numbers on the two bills matched, according to police.

The bill had also been verified by the Fairmont Federal Credit Union in Shinnston and a counterfeit recovery form had been filed where the money had been turned over to Matheny, according to the criminal complaint.

Matheny is currently free on a $5,000 bond.

City Manager Debra Herndon says he has been suspended since last Friday (April 30), with pay from the department, pending an investigation.

She told 5 News that he was a very good police officer and they had experienced no other complaints or problems.

Matheny is also a member of the Harrison County Street Crimes and Drug Unit, but has also been suspended.

Matheny previously worked for the Grafton Police Department.