Amanda Cangelosi, Counterfeit Currency Conspiracy, Louisiana 2026

A 40-year-old New Orleans woman was found guilty of a heinous crime, one that threatens the very fabric of our economy. Amanda Cangelosi, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on April 23, 2026, to conspiracy to make, and pass, counterfeit United States currency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, Cangelosi conspired with others to manufacture counterfeit bills and used the counterfeit bills to pay for goods and services. The brazen scheme involved using genuine $1 bills to create the counterfeit $100 bills in an effort to deceive merchants into believing the currency was a genuine $100 bill. Investigators seized several items used to create the counterfeit currency, a clear indication of the extent of the operation.

Cangelosi and her co-conspirators used the counterfeit $100 bills to purchase goods and services, further exacerbating the damage to the economy. The use of counterfeit currency has far-reaching consequences, including the undermining of trust in the financial system and the potential for widespread financial losses.

Cangelosi faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. She may also be ordered to pay restitution, a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions.

The investigation into Cangelosi’s activities was a collaborative effort between the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution, a testament to the dedication of law enforcement to combating financial crimes.

The guilty plea in this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the fight against financial crimes. It is a stark reminder that those who engage in such activities will be caught and punished. As we move forward, it is essential that we remain vigilant and continue to work together to prevent and prosecute such crimes.

Cangelosi’s guilty plea is a significant victory for the law enforcement community and a testament to the effectiveness of their efforts. It is a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions and that the consequences will be severe.

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