Accused Counterfeiter Dons Wig Disguise

A Port Crane man wanted on a felony warrant is back in custody after trying to trick authorities who came to the door of a room at the Kirkwood Motel on Route 11 to arrest him March 14.

Broome County Sheriff’s officials say a deputy on patrol recognized a truck parked in the lot as belonging to a man originally known as 43 year old Brian Searles, who apparently has been calling himself Brian Potter lately.

Searles was wanted by Binghamton Police.

Deputies say Searles/Potter, who sports heavy tattooing around neck and on his chest, tried to disguise himself by donning a wig. It didn’t work and Searles reportedly tried to run from officers.

He was subdued and placed under arrest.

Deputies say they found him in possession of drugs, a loaded shotgun near the bed and multiple denominations of counterfeit money adding up to $14,000.

Searles is charged with felony counts of possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of a weapon.  He’s charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

In addition, Searles has that felony warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

He was sent to the Broome County Jail without bail.