VIDALIA — A working computer and expensive parchment were allegedly a formula for instant riches for a Vidalia man — but counterfeit money can’t be used to make bond.

Robert Cody Johnson, 25, 106 Park Drive, was arrested Tuesday on charges of monetary instrument abuse and two counts of printing counterfeit money after allegedly printing an estimated $900 in fake $10 and $20 bills using a home computer.

The counterfeit money has been surfacing for a couple of weeks, and police were able to track the money back to Johnson through confidential informants, Vidalia Police Chief Ronnie G. “Tapper” Hendricks said.

Johnson reportedly used high-end stationary paper in his money-printing operation.

“You would notice a difference if you really examined it, but during a quick exchange you wouldn’t notice,” Hendricks said.

The computer and money printing equipment Johnson allegedly used was seized and turned over to the U.S. Secret Service, which is also investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, the counterfeit money may still be circulating, and anyone who finds a $10 with the serial number DE40584540A or a $20 with the serial number EG00758451A is urged to turn it over to the Vidalia Police Department.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators also worked the case, and Sheriff Randy Maxwell said in a statement the current economic climate could lead others to print their own money.

“We just have to all be wary of this — especially business owners,” Maxwell said.

Johnson has been charged at local and state levels, and Thursday he was transported for arraignment in federal court in Alexandria.

The suspect reportedly used the counterfeit bills in drug deals, and — while authorities said he reportedly used some of the drugs himself — he allegedly sold some of the drugs for legitimate money, according to the CPSO statement.

Some of the money was also allegedly used in an Adams County nightclub.

Bond for Johnson was set at $95,000 in district court.

Johnson was later charged with battery on a police officer and resisting an officer after he allegedly tried to escape deputies at the Concordia Parish courthouse parking lot.

An additional $10,000 bond was set for those charges.