MORGANTOWN, PA — An 18-year-old New York man faces forgery and theft charges after police linked him to an alleged counterfeit currency scheme involving eight Walmart stores, including a Berks County location where investigators say he used fake bills to purchase a PlayStation 5 controller.
Angel Julian Vargas, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested Nov. 5, 2026, following an investigation by the Caernarvon Township Police Department.
According to police, the investigation began with an incident March 3 at approximately 6:59 p.m. at Walmart, 100 Crossings Blvd., in Caernarvon Township.
Investigators allege that Vargas entered the store, selected a PlayStation 5 game controller valued at $199 and proceeded to checkout, where he paid with $300 in counterfeit currency.
Police reported that the individual received $89.10 in change before leaving the store at approximately 7:07 p.m. in a gray Ford Edge SUV.
During the subsequent investigation, authorities linked the same individual to seven additional Walmart locations where counterfeit currency was allegedly used to purchase PlayStation 5 controllers.
Investigators identified Vargas as the suspect connected to the incidents.
Vargas faces charges of forgery and theft by unlawful taking in connection with the investigation.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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