Cops: Cocaine Dealer Had Fake $20s At Route 59 Restaurant

JOLIET, IL - A 37-year-old Chicago man has posted bond to get out of the Will County Jail after Joliet Police arrested Randy Thomas in connection with allegations that he tried to pay for his food at the Culver's restaurant with fake $20 bills. Joliet Police later determined that Thomas was a suspected drug dealer, who had cocaine, digital scales, pills and a large wad of U.S. cash, police reports show.

Thomas was taken away in handcuffs Friday afternoon on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, forgery and possession of drug equipment.

The events that led Thomas' arrest began around 11:50 a.m. on Friday when Joliet Police were notified to respond to 1500 Route 59, which is the location of the Culver's, reports show. The restaurant gleaned that one of their customers was trying to pay for his food with fake $20 bills, reports show.

"Officers approached the male (later identified as Thomas) and asked Thomas if he had fraudulent money. Thomas stated 'yes' and handed the fraudulent money to the officers. When the officers asked Thomas if he had any other contraband in his vehicle, Thomas stated no, and gave the officers consent to search his vehicle," police reports show.

From that point forward, Thomas' problems with the law only intensified, reports indicate.

"Inside of a backpack on the front passenger seat, officers located clear plastic baggies with cocaine inside, narcotics pills, a digital scale, and a large sum of (cash). Thomas was then arrested for the above offenses," Joliet Police said.

Thomas spent Friday night at the county jail but managed to come up with 10 percent of his $20,000 bail around lunchtime on Saturday. He can remain free while his criminal case is pending at Will County's Courthouse.

Mugshot of Randy Thomas via Will County Sheriff