ELKINS, WV – A local man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to manufacturing and distributing counterfeit U.S. currency. Anthony Francis Silvester, III, 38, of Elkins, West Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities,” a federal charge that carries significant penalties.
The case, investigated by a multi-agency task force, revealed Silvester passed a bogus bill at a business within Elkins city limits back in August of 2016. While the amount of the counterfeit currency wasn’t disclosed, the act itself is enough to trigger serious federal intervention. The Secret Service, along with the West Virginia State Police and the Elkins Police Department, worked collaboratively to bring Silvester to justice.
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Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced the guilty plea, signaling a firm stance against financial crimes in the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is clearly dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to undermine the integrity of the nation’s currency. This isn’t a victimless crime; counterfeit money destabilizes the economy and erodes public trust.
Silvester’s actions could land him behind bars for up to two decades. The maximum sentence for uttering counterfeit obligations and securities is 20 years incarceration. He also faces a hefty fine of up to $250,000, a sum that reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities view this type of offense. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro is leading the prosecution.
The case was presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, allowing time for pre-sentence investigations and reports. Sources within the Secret Service indicate they are also looking into whether Silvester was part of a larger counterfeiting operation, though no additional charges have been filed at this time.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the judicial system. The proliferation of counterfeit currency is a constant threat, and federal agencies are working tirelessly to combat it. This conviction serves as a warning to others contemplating similar criminal activity: the Secret Service and its partners are watching, and they will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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