Man accused of counterfeiting Papa John's coupons

Greenville, N.C. — Greenville police are searching for a Wake Forest man accused of counterfeiting coupons for Papa John's Pizza and selling them in 20 cities in central and eastern North Carolina.

Investigators said that Terry Randall Hirneisen, 41, of 528 Young Forest Drive, produced at least 500 sheets, each with 28 counterfeit Papa John's coupons, between July 3 and July 17.

Hirneisen told victims that he was selling the coupons for a fund-raising effort, police said. He sold the sheets at $10 a piece, according to authorities.

Investigators said they have identified at least two victims.

Hirneisen allegedly sold the counterfeit coupons in Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Smithfield, Clayton, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, Sanford, Wilson, Roanoke Rapids, Henderson, Clinton and Dunn. Cities closer to the coast include New Bern, Jacksonville, Morehead City, Havelock, Beaufort, Winterville and Washington.

The counterfeit coupons are marked with RMD Marketing Inc. in the lower right-hand corner of the back side of the sheet. A telephone number is printed to the right of RMD Marketing Inc. but that number is no longer in service.

If anyone believes they were sold the counterfeit coupons, they should contact the law enforcement agency for the area in which the were coupons were sold. Victims should provide the counterfeit sheet to law enforcement.

Hirneisen faces a felony charge of obtaining property by false pretense.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call Crime Stoppers at 252-758-7777. Callers to Crime Stoppers never have to identify themselves.

Hirneisen was placed on probation in January after being convicted of possession of drugs in Durham County, according to state Department of Correction officials. He was convicted of passing a worthless check in Washington state in 1988.