Police Recover $19K In Counterfeit Currency, 6 Guns During Search

MANASSAS, VA — While serving a search warrant in Manassas on Tuesday, city police officers found six firearms, two unregistered suppressors, narcotics, 11 knives, and $19,000 in counterfeit cash, according to a police report.

Authorities obtained the search warrant after they arrested 35-year-old Peter Benavage on Sunday. Police officers claimed that Benavage was intoxicated and had weapons and burglary tools with him at the Park and Space Self Storage.

Benavage was charged with public intoxication, possessing a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Benavage is being held without bond at the Prince William Adult Detention Center. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 45 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

On Sunday, police officers were called to the Park and Space Self Storage on Technology Drive in Manassas. There, they learned that someone had tampered with multiple storage units. The police officers also found two intoxicated people, according to the police report.

Police officials reported that one of the men, Benavage, had burglary tools, concealed weapons, and narcotics.

On Tuesday, police officers obtained a warrant and searched Benavage's Manassas home. They found counterfeit cash, more weapons, unregistered suppressors for firearms, and narcotics.

Benavage was arraigned in court this week. His next court date is scheduled for May 8.