A Lehigh County man is being sought for passing and attempting to pass phony $50 bills in a three county area.

State police at Schuylkill Haven reported that Jefferies Bernabe, 23, of Allentown, appeared at Rita's Italian Ice, located along SR61, in North Manheim Township, about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, and asked for change for a $50 bill. He was denied.He then ordered a shaved ice for $2.35 and paid for it with a $50 bill. The employees realized the bill was a fake and gave it back to Bernabe. He then fled the scene in a blue Audi with state registration plate JDF5320. The phony bill has serial number B14276471A.Bernabe attempted to pass bills in Monroe and Lehigh counties, troopers added.Troopers said anyone else encountering Bernabe or the $50 bills should contact troopers at the Schuylkill Haven barracks by calling (570) 739-1330.