Updated February 7, 2019

According to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, investigators seized $23,000 in counterfeit bills while searching a residence Tuesday.

At the same time, they also seized $4,400 of real money.

Billy Jay Howell, 47, and Paula Delaine Paulk, 49, both of Elkmont, were arrested. Howell was charged with 15 counts of possession of a forged instrument. Paulk was charged with one count.

The sheriff’s office said the case will go to a grand jury to consider more charges.

Paulk was released from the Limestone County Jail on $5,000 bond. As of Wednesday morning, Howell was still jailed on $75,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office said investigators believe a large amount of counterfeit money is still in circulation, and reminded the public to check any bills for a watermark and magnetic strip.