ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A local man is headed to federal prison after admitting to flooding a small West Virginia town with fake cash. Anthony Francis Silvester, III, of Elkins, was sentenced to 30 months behind bars for his role in manufacturing and passing counterfeit U.S. currency, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The scheme unraveled after Silvester attempted to pass a counterfeit bill at an Elkins business in August 2016. While the amount of the fraudulent bill wasn’t disclosed, it was enough to trigger an investigation involving the U.S. Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Elkins Police Department – a combined effort that ultimately led to Silvester’s conviction. This isn’t a sophisticated operation, but even small-time counterfeiting undermines the integrity of the US economy.
Silvester pled guilty in May 2017 to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities,” a federal charge that carries significant penalties. Prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah M. Wagner, successfully argued for a substantial prison term, reflecting the seriousness of the crime. The feds aren’t messing around with this kind of thing, even in rural areas.
The case highlights the Secret Service’s continued focus on financial crimes, even beyond the protection of high-profile individuals. While best known for guarding the President, the agency also has a mandate to investigate counterfeiting and other forms of financial fraud. The agency’s involvement, alongside state and local law enforcement, demonstrates a coordinated approach to combating these offenses.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handed down the 30-month sentence, sending a clear message that counterfeiting will not be tolerated. The sentence offers little comfort to businesses potentially victimized by Silvester’s scheme, but it does represent a measure of accountability for his actions. The impact of even a small amount of counterfeit money can ripple through local economies.
Silvester’s case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor acts of financial crime can have serious consequences. The 30-month sentence is a testament to the dedication of the investigating agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in protecting the integrity of the nation’s currency. The Department of Justice Northern District of West Virginia oversaw the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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