DeAndre Smith, Check Counterfeiting, West Virginia 2015

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A brazen check counterfeiting ring with ties to Atlanta has been busted, with the mastermind behind the scheme pleading guilty to his role in the crime.

DeAndre Smith, 22, admitted to participating in the theft of checks from mailboxes at business establishments in Beckley on two occasions in November 2015. Smith and his co-conspirators used the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks for cashing at local banks.

According to court documents, Smith and his co-conspirators traveled from Atlanta to Beckley on multiple occasions to target businesses with mailboxes containing checks. The group would steal the checks, use the information to create counterfeit checks, and then cash them at local banks.

Smith’s guilty plea comes after a lengthy investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Beckley Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Eric P. Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution.

Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for August 10, 2016, and he faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He also agreed to pay almost $17,000 in restitution.

The United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. Smith’s crimes put countless West Virginians at risk, highlighting the need for vigilance when it comes to protecting personal financial information.

The guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement and serves as a reminder that those who engage in check counterfeiting and mail theft will be held accountable for their actions.

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