Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Brown Gets Sentenced in Counterfeit Check Fraud

PITTSBURGH – In a gritty setback for the counterfeit cash circuit, Jonathan Brown, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been sentenced to time served in federal court for his role in uttering counterfeit checks, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

The senior U.S. District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose handed down the sentence on the Allegheny County resident, who was convicted of using stolen identities to negotiate counterfeit checks at Big Lots stores. The court heard that Brown’s actions were part of a larger check fraud scheme.

Brown’s fraudulent activities came to light on April 14, 2011, when he used the counterfeit checks to purchase merchandise. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton praised the efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service, who, as part of the Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to Brown’s prosecution. The WPFCTF is a collaborative multi-agency effort aimed at combating financial crimes in Western Pennsylvania.

Partners in this initiative include the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.