Chicago Counterfeiters Sentenced in Indiana

Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that Christopher Pierce, 24, and Harold Jones, 20, both from Chicago, Illinois, were sentenced for their roles in a major counterfeit currency scheme that targeted businesses across Hammond, Indiana.

Pierce was handed down a 21-month prison sentence followed by a year of supervised release, while Jones received time served (113 days) plus one year of supervised release. The duo was caught after passing up to $250 in fake cash daily at local establishments, including fast food restaurants and gas stations.

According to documents, Pierce began creating the counterfeit currency in December 2015, using a color scanner and printer to produce bills on linen paper. He focused on $5, $10, and $20 denominations, as he believed these were less likely to be detected by authorities. The scam worked, with both men accumulating legitimate change by swapping out their fake money for real cash.

United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge John Koleno emphasized the importance of awareness in combating such crimes, stating, ‘This is one of many cases that are investigated daily with the help of state and local law enforcement. Businesses that handle cash are encouraged to go to www.uscurrency.gov to learn the security features of United States currency.’

The investigation into this case was led by the United States Secret Service, with Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster handling the prosecution.