Anthony Wayne Smith, Counterfeit Currency Manufacturing, Florida 2022

Tampa, Florida – A brazen operation to manufacture counterfeit currency has landed a Bradenton man behind bars. U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Anthony Wayne Smith, 58, to 18 months in federal prison for manufacturing counterfeit currency.

The 18-month prison sentence was handed down on an unknown date, following Smith’s guilty plea on January 14, 2022. As part of the plea agreement, Smith must also forfeit a firearm and ammunition found during a search of his house in Bradenton.

According to the plea agreement, Smith manufactured U.S. Federal Reserve notes at his home in Bradenton. Law enforcement officers recovered a large quantity of counterfeit notes hidden throughout the residence, texturized printing paper, and printers during the execution of a search warrant.

A laptop computer belonging to Smith contained digital images of U.S. Federal Reserve notes used in the production and manufacture of counterfeit currency. This case was a collaborative effort between the United States Secret Service, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee prosecuted the case. Smith’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing bring an end to a complex investigation that spanned multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

The sentencing of Anthony Wayne Smith serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the fight against financial crimes. As law enforcement continues to crack down on counterfeiting operations, it is essential that citizens remain aware of the dangers and consequences of these crimes.

In this case, the defendant’s actions not only put the public at risk but also undermined the integrity of our financial system. The 18-month prison sentence is a fitting consequence for Anthony Wayne Smith’s crimes, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who would consider engaging in similar activities.

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